Wellen: Exercises for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

Wellen is an online platform designed to support people living with osteoporosis and osteopenia. It's mainly a guided exercise programme, which is individualised to each user. The key components are:

• An easy-to-follow exercise programme: The exercise programme includes a video for each exercise, as well as a written explanation. It's very clear to follow and has a nice design to the programme. Exercises are well chosen and are consistent with what you would expect to see in a programme chosen by a physiotherapist.
• Tools to address engagement in the exercise programme: There are a number of good tools to address engagement, including a reminder function for exercises (you can choose the preferred time), the opportunity to add music to the programme, and the option to modify exercises. For example, in my programme, I could select the bridges (2 x 10 reps) and substitute these out for mini-squats with support or bridge holds.
• Helpful education section: There is a great range of articles written by physiotherapists, medical doctors and other experts on a variety of topics, which deliver sound medical information across a range of topics. Supporting the exercise programme is a “Well Guide” which consists of a range of topical summaries related to osteoporosis/osteopenia written by medical and health professionals. These include summaries of research in key areas, including nutrition, exercise and lifestyle.

There's an AI Chatbot feature that allows users to ask common questions related to osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Wellen is targeted to individuals with osteoporosis and osteopenia who have either had a recent fall or are at risk of future falls, but the exercise programme section could likely have a larger audience, as this is really well-designed, and would be suitable for a variety of users. It appears to be quite a safe avenue for someone who is aware of the need to exercise to reduce falls risk but has some reluctance around joining a gym, or who might have difficulties accessing the community.

For the complete online tool description, go to the website(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Chris Lawrence, Community-based Physiotherapist
Date of review: February 2024
Comments: There are a number of apps on the market that include an exercise programme for users. This is one of the best. The programmes are safe to choose and include an appropriate level of exercise. The programme would be an excellent choice. It does have an element of cost ($31 NZD per month) which may be prohibitive to some.
New Zealand relevance: Relevant to a New Zealand audience. However, note the pricing on the website doesn't make it clear that it's in US Dollars. For example, I signed up for the monthly subscription, thinking it was $19 per month, but this was in USD so was actually charged at $31.42.
Safety concerns: None – this is a very safe app to use. There are 2 key things that help to alleviate any safety risks:

• There's regular comment and reminder that the app is not a substitute for medical advice. It's clear through the app where it is appropriate to use and where medical advice needs to be sought.
• The assessment section prior to exercise is really helpful for ensuring the programme is prescribed at a relevant level.