Hip fractures have serious consequences, including an increased risk of death within the first year following the accident. Findings from a recent study offer good news on the benefits of physical activity for postmenopausal women. Higher amounts of physical activity of any kind were associated with lower risk of hip fracture, based on data from 77,206 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative Study. Those who were physically active—in any way—for about 35 minutes a day had an 18% lower risk of hip fracture and a 6% lower risk of total fracture.

The study was reported in JAMA Network Open (2019; 2 [10], 1914084).