Osteoporosis & ONERO™
Build Stronger Bones and Reduce Fracture Risk with ONERO™
Don't let an Osteoporosis diagnosis change your lifestyle. At Macarthur Physiotherapy, we provide the ONERO™ program—the only clinically proven exercise protocol designed to build bone density and reduce fracture risk through supervised, high-intensity training.
What to Expect
Pre-Program Assessment -
We begin with a 1-on-1 clinical assessment of your bone health history, current strength & functional levels, and balance markers to ensure you are a suitable candidate for high-intensity training.
Technique Familiarization -
Before moving to heavy loads, you undergo a structured "Foundation Phase." This month-long period focuses on mastering the core lifts (Deadlift, Overhead Press, and Squat) with zero-to-low weight to ensure perfect form.
Supervised Progressive Loading -
Every session is led by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist who understands how to scale the 80–85% 1RM (One-Rep Max) protocol to your specific skeletal health.
Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because it is difficult to see or diagnose before sustaining a fracture. It is a condition where your body loses bone mineral density (BMD) faster than it can create new bone. This affects the trabecular (spongy) bone inside your skeleton, leading to increased fragility and a higher risk of fractures.
The Science of Bone Remodelling
The ONERO™ program is underpinned by the landmark LIFTMOR clinical trial—the first study of its kind to prove that high-intensity loading is not only safe but superior for bone health.
The Research
ONERO™ is the clinical application of the LIFTMOR trial, which proved that targeted, high-intensity loading triggers bone-forming cells in high-risk areas like the hip and spine.
BMD Results
Participants in the trial showed a significant increase in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (~3.2%) and femoral neck (~2.8%) compared to control groups.
Fall Prevention
Beyond density, the study highlighted marked improvements in functional balance and muscle power, directly addressing the primary cause of fractures: the fall itself.
Safety
Despite the intensity (80–85% 1RM), the study reported zero serious adverse events when conducted under professional clinical supervision.
The Spectrum of Bone Health
Normal Bone Density
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T-score: -1.0 or higher.
Having a T-score in the normal range means your bone mineral density is comparable to that of a healthy young adult. While your bones are currently resilient, this is the ideal time to implement preventative loading strategies. Maintaining this density as you age requires consistent, varied mechanical stress to ensure your skeletal "bank account" remains well-funded for the decades ahead.
Osteopenia
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T-score: Between -1.0 and -2.5.
Osteopenia is a "yellow light" signal indicating that your bone density is lower than the ideal range but has not yet reached the threshold of osteoporosis. This is a critical window for clinical intervention. Because your bone tissue is still highly responsive, the high-intensity loading found in the ONERO™ program is specifically designed to help halt this decline and, in many cases, help rebuild the density needed to prevent further progression.
Osteoporosis
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T-score: -2.5 or lower.
A diagnosis of osteoporosis means your bone density has reached a level where the risk of a "fragility fracture" from a minor fall or movement is significantly increased. While it may feel counterintuitive to lift weights with fragile bones, the LIFTMOR clinical trial proved that supervised, high-intensity loading is the most effective way to stimulate bone remodelling in this range. Our focus here is dual-purpose: building the structural integrity of your spine and hips while rapidly improving the balance and muscle power needed to prevent falls entirely.
Stop Managing Fragility. Start Building Strength.
You don't have to navigate a diagnosis of low bone density alone. Our 1-on-1 initial assessment is designed to determine if the ONERO™ protocol is the right fit for your clinical profile and personal goals.