Elderly women who exercise regularly may be less likely to suffer hip fractures, according to findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

For the seven-year study, a total of 84 women were asked to attend strengthening and impact training classes over the course of six months. These individuals were selected based on their development of osteopenia, which is a reduction in bone mass or low measurements of calcium in the bones.

The results of following the exercise regimen were then compared to a control group of 76 female participants.

As a result, 17 women who had increased their level of physical activity suffered hip fractures, while a total of 23 women from the control group were hospitalized with the same injuries. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that the control group had a 52 percent higher risk of injury, while the exercising participants had a 17 percent increased likelihood of hip fractures.

The authors of the study reported that the exercise group “demonstrated a significant gain compared with the control group in mean leg strength during the trial.” They concluded that “mainly home-based exercises followed by voluntary home training had a positive long-term effect on balance and gait in high-risk elderly women.”

Each year, approximately 54 percent of elderly Caucasian women residing in the United States are diagnosed with osteopenia, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.