The Onero™ Bone Health Program
What is Onero?
Onero™ is an evidence-based exercise program designed to prevent osteoporotic fractures by stimulating bone development and preventing falls and fractures. The exercise protocol is targeted specifically to bone, being brief but high-intensity. The ongoing data collection at The Bone Clinic sites indicates that the Onero™ program increases bone mass, improves posture, and decreases falls in clients. Results show that 86% of clients increased bone mass at the lumbar spine and 69% of patients increased bone mass at the hip. Osteoporosis Australia has approved the Onero™ Bone program.
Why Join Onero?
Onero™ is designed to be delivered by exercise professionals working with the aging community. This program is an evidence-based exercise program for the Osteoporosis/Osteopenia client demographic.
What are the benefits of Bone Health exercise?
Osteoporosis is common, affecting around two out of three women, and one in six men, over the age of 60. Nearly two-thirds of Australians over 50 suffer from reduced bone mass, classified as osteopenia, putting them at risk of developing osteoporosis. One of the most effective lifestyle strategies that are recognised for osteoporosis is targeted bone health exercise
What is included in the Onero Program?
INCLUDES FALL PREVENTION EXERCISES
The risk of osteoporotic fracture is greatly increased in people who fall. Onero™ training includes exercises to improve balance and thereby reduce osteoporotic fracture risk both by improving bone and reducing falls
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS
We recommend a number of simple functional assessments before beginning Onero™ so effectiveness can be monitored. These tests form part of a vital strategy to track real world safety and effectiveness of the Onero™ program in the larger research program underway at The Bone Clinic.
FULLY SUPERVISED
The safety of the Onero™ program depends on clinical assessment to recognise co-existing conditions so that the program can be implemented without risk of injury or exacerbation of existing conditions. A hallmark of the Onero™ program is a requirement for close supervision by allied health professionals.
Only coaches with the appropriate clinical training and expertise are permitted to deliver Onero™ to people living with osteoporosis.
EFFECTIVE EXERCISE FOR OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOPENIA
A growing body of scientific evidence has demonstrated that Onero™, supervised, bone-targeted high intensity resistance and impact training, reduces osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women and older men with low to very low bone mass. The evidence-based Onero™ program improves bone, muscle, and physical function and is safe for people with low bone mass when supervised.
Pricing
The initial consultation is an hour which includes a functional assessment and an overview of your bone health and history in order to ensure we create a personalised and targeted exercise program for you; the cost is $185. You can get a private health fund rebate OR a $60 rebate from Medicare with Chronic Care Management referral from your GP for all sessions.
You are required to take at least four one-on-one sessions before joining a class: A 45-minute initial consultation followed by three follow up sessions. The subsequent sessions cost $145 and are claimable.
The group exercise classes are recommended to be twice weekly for best optimal results. The classes are $50 each, $40 should you decide to purchase a package of 20 classes for $800 or $45 with a package of 10 classes for $450.
You may also use the Chronic Care Management Plan referral OR your health fund card.
Bone Health Night 2023
A panel of specialists discuss the importance of bone health and the latest advances in prevention and treatment. Learn about the latest advances in bone health research and prevention, and get answers to your most pressing questions about osteoporosis, fractures, and other bone-related conditions.
Guests:
Prof. Jacqueline Center: Endocrinologist at St Vincent’s Hospital and Head Researcher at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
Ms Ita Buttrose: A journalist, editor, and as of 2019, an ambassador for the Big O campaign which focuses on osteoporosis awareness and education.
Ms Catherine Moore: Sports Physiotherapist and Certified Onero Instructor
Strong Bones: Expert Insights on Bone Health
Join us for a powerful conversation on building and maintaining strong bones. A dietitian, scientist, and physiotherapist share their expertise on how nutrition, exercise, and the latest research can help you prevent fractures and osteoporosis. Whether you're looking to improve your bone health or simply stay active and well as you age, this podcast offers practical advice and inspiring insights from leading professionals.
Guests:
Ms Annelise Collier – Dietitian and Nutritionist from Your (Gut) Feeling.
Dr Michelle McDonald– Scientist and researcher of osteoporosis and preventing fractures
Ms Catherine Moore – Senior physiotherapist and a specialist in bone health through the Onero program.
Bone Health Night 2024
A recap of the Moore Health information night held on June 20, 2024, where experts answered all your questions about bone health.
Guests:
Catherine Moore: Sports Physiotherapist and Certified Onero Instructor
Prof. Jackie Center- Endocrinologist at St Vincent's Hospital and Head Researcher at Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Dr Michelle McDonald: Scientist and researcher of osteoporosis and preventing fractures
FAQs
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A multivitamin is necessary if you are missing natural vitamins in your daily intake of food.
With the multivitamin, I would recommend that people check with their health care practitioner as they can contain high amounts of certain vitamins/minerals that we can develop a toxicity to.
Please note that many of our foods contain Vit k in fact here is a list:
Vitamin K is an essential, fat-soluble nutrient our body needs for functions like healthy blood clotting. It comes in two forms: Vitamin K1, (phylloquinone) found in leafy greens, vegetables, and some plant oils. Vitamin K2, (menaquinone) found in dairy, fermented foods, and animal products.
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At this stage no evidence to support yoga to increase bone density. However, yoga helps with balance, flexibility and muscular strength and stress release. These 2 important factors will help to prevent fracture, which ultimately is what we are looking for.
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· Pharmaceutical drugs
· Healthy lifestyle
· Diet
Swimming, cycling, walking and even running from studies show no change to bone density. All these forms of exercise show cardiovascular support, muscle building and flexibility changes.
From the research the high load high intensity program is only necessary to perform 2 times per week for changes in the bone density therefore one can do other forms of exercise to compliment the other important systems in our body.
There is awareness for elite athletes including swimmers and cyclists that their bones are not being stressed. Weightlifting programs are incorporated in their complete training regime. This has multiple benefits including increase in strength and power as well as maintaining bone density
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Yes, depending once again on your baseline and commitment to these factors -
· Lifestyle
· Diet
· Exercise
· Medication
Yes, you can increase BMD into an osteopenia or even healthy BMD range. HOWEVER, this does not mean it is cured and you can revert if you stop pharmaceutical therapy or exercise. This is particularly the case for patients on Prolia, stopping can be dangerous even if your BMD has become "normal". Bisphosphonates like Actonel can be stopped more safely as the effect wears off very slowly, but BMD should be monitored, and treatment reinitiated if BMD declines again
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Yes it is possible to do Onero. Considerations are
Avoid exercises that cause joint swelling or pain in the hands.
Manage any inflammatory flare-ups with rest, ice, or medication as needed.
Monitor grip fatigue, and possibly reduce load or volume depending on hand tolerance.
Ensure correct warm-up and mobility exercises are included to support hand function.