Can AI Predict Osteoporosis?

Are robots taking over the world? Let's hope not! But what if they could help predict and prevent osteoporosis?

In a recent study from Scientific Reports, doctors used artificial intelligence (AI) to predict a patient's osteoporosis, osteopenia, or healthy bone mass density (BMD). The goals of this study were to better understand risk factors for osteoporosis and to create AI that will appropriately recommend exercises based on each person's health history.

Over 1,200 men and women participated in the study. Each participant underwent a DXA scan of their femoral neck (hip bone), femur, and lumbar spine to determine the BMD in each of those areas. Based off of that data, as well as many other risk factors, the several AI algorithms were developed and were able to predict diagnosis with between 75% and 93% accuracy. The AI algorithms also recommended exercise programs involving resistance, aerobic, balance training as well as walking and swimming among other things.

This is one of a few initial studies looking into how AI can predict and prevent osteoporosis. As the authors concluded, these initial models can be a great tool for predicting when people are at risk of developing osteoporosis and provide them with a good path for treating their osteoporosis.