The effectiveness of a basic exercise intervention to improve strength and balance in women with osteoporosis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of a simple exercise program on the balance and strength of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.MethodsThis program was based on low intensity strength and balance exercises, and was carried out with simple, readily available equipment. Sixty five women were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG; n=33, age: 57.4±4.8 years) or the control group (CG; n=32, age: 58.8±4.5 years). Participants in the EG underwent balance and strength training for 60 min, three times/week for 6 months. Each session consisted of warm-up exercises (10 min), balance training (20 min), strength training (20 min), and cooldown (10 min). Participants from the CG were asked not to modify their usual habits during the course of the study. Static balance was evaluated using the blind monopodal stance static balance test. In contrast, dynamic balance was assessed using the “8-foot up and go” test, whereas the strength of the upper and lower limbs was measured using the “arm curl” and “30 s chair stand” tests, respectively. All these variables were assessed at baseline and upon program completion.ResultsThe EG showed significant improvements (P<0.001) in static balance (21%), dynamic balance (36%), and in the strength of the upper (80%) and lower (47%) limbs in comparison to the CG after the sixth month. Participants in the CG showed significantly lower values (P<0.001) in the four tests. In addition, a significant inverse relationship between static balance and the strength of the upper (r=−0.390; P=0.001) and lower (r=−0.317; P=0.01) limbs was found.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that a physical exercise program based on balance and strength exercises, carried out with simple and readily available equipment, is capable of significantly improving the strength and balance of women with osteoporosis.

Strategies for optimising musculoskeletal health in the 21st century

“…A European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) taskforce looked at dietary protein and vitamin D and calcium supplementation and recommended higher protein intake in combination with physical exercise particularly in post-menopausal women at risk of developing menopause-associated musculoskeletal disease, such as OP [29]. Physical exercise programmes improve strength and balance in ageing women with OP [30]. Fragility fracture risk, associated with OP, can be decreased by following an exercise programme, as exercise increases bone density and reduces inflammatory markers [31].…”

<p>Effectiveness of a Mini-Trampoline Training Program on Balance and Functional Mobility, Gait Performance, Strength, Fear of Falling and Bone Mineral Density in Older Women with Osteopenia</p>

“…Participants were asked not to change their daily habits during the study period. According to Otero et al, 35 all CG participants were phoned three times to remind them no to modify their daily habits until they had completed the post intervention tests. IG and CG participants were informed that they have to carry out several tests twice, pre and post intervention, within a time interval of 12 weeks between the tests.…”

“…29,30 Generally, exercises on a trampoline consist of a multicomponent approach addressed at strength, postural balance training, muscle coordinative responses, joint movement amplitudes and spatial orientations. 31 Although many studies investigated the importance of physical exercise in patients with lowered BMD, 1,[32][33][34][35] there is still no consensus on the specifications of the optimal physical intervention program to reduce risk factors for falls in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. 35,36 There is a large variety of combinations employed regarding the volume, intensity, type of exercise, training device and rhythm of progression of the different programs which are currently applied.…”

“…31 Although many studies investigated the importance of physical exercise in patients with lowered BMD, 1,[32][33][34][35] there is still no consensus on the specifications of the optimal physical intervention program to reduce risk factors for falls in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. 35,36 There is a large variety of combinations employed regarding the volume, intensity, type of exercise, training device and rhythm of progression of the different programs which are currently applied. 35 To our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the effects of a mini-trampoline exercise program combining exercises on balance and functional mobility, strength, gait speed, fear of falling and BMD in females with osteopenia, as although fear of falling and prevalence of lowered BMD is more common among females.…”

“…35,36 There is a large variety of combinations employed regarding the volume, intensity, type of exercise, training device and rhythm of progression of the different programs which are currently applied. 35 To our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the effects of a mini-trampoline exercise program combining exercises on balance and functional mobility, strength, gait speed, fear of falling and BMD in females with osteopenia, as although fear of falling and prevalence of lowered BMD is more common among females.…”