Physical inactivity is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. The aim of the study was to see if supervised training would improve health-related quality of life (HRQL), reduce pain and falls in osteoporotic women. Women with established osteoporosis (n 0124) were invited to a 1-year, follow-up study. Seventy-three women aged 60Á81 years met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to an exercise (E) or control (C) group. A 4-month, supervised group training programme was designed. Participants were studied using HRQL questionnaires, clinical tests and dynamic posturography. Thirty-one women in the E-group and 34 women in the C-group completed the study. The E-group improved in six SF-36 domains and mental component summary (MCsum) index and also in worst pain intensity ( pB0.01) after the supervised exercise training. Differences were found between the groups when comparing changes in four SF-36 domains, MCsum and worst pain ( p00.001). Physical activity level decreased in the E-group after the supervised period. Mean time to first fall occurred earlier in the C-group than in the E-group for the first 4 months but the trend did not last for the 1-year follow-up. The study suggests that supervised group training is beneficial for women with established osteoporosis.

SummaryThe treatment effect of an activating spinal orthosis on back pain and back extensor strength was compared to a training group and to a control group. Between the groups, there was no significant difference in back pain, back extensor strength, or kyphosis index after the 6 months of treatment.PurposeThe aim of this study was to study the effect of treatment with an activating spinal orthosis on back pain, back extensor strength, and kyphotic index. Our hypothesis was that an activating spinal orthosis may be an alternative treatment to decrease back pain and increase back extensor strength.MethodsA total of 113 women aged ≥ 60 years with back pain and osteoporosis, with or without vertebral fractures, were randomized to three groups: a spinal orthosis group, an equipment training group, and a control group. All three groups were examined at baseline and followed up after 3 and 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed with a mixed model for repeated measures according to intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP).ResultsA total of 96 women completed the study. Between the groups, there was no significant difference in baseline characteristics. Comparison between groups showed no significant difference in back pain, back extensor strength, or kyphosis index at the follow-up after 6 months according to ITT and PP analyses. Analysis in each group showed that the back extensor strength had increased by 26.9% in the spinal orthosis group, by 22.1% in the exercise training group and by 9.9% in the control group.ConclusionsSix months’ treatment by an activating spinal orthosis showed no significant difference in back pain, back extensor strength, or kyphosis index between the three groups. In the spinal orthosis group, present back pain decreased slightly and back extensor strength increased by 26.9% which indicates that the spinal orthosis may become an alternative training method.Clinicaltrials.com ID: NCT03263585Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s11657-018-0555-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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This study evaluated a balance-training program’s influence in healthy older adults. Fifteen community-dwelling participants aged 70–75 years were randomized to an exercise group, and 15 gender- and age-matched participants, to a control group. The 9-week training program comprised ordinary-life balance, vestibular-habituation, and ball exercises and station training. Clinical balance tests were conducted before and after training. Tests that showed significant improvement in the exercise group after the intervention included standing on the right leg with eyes closed, standing on the right leg and the left leg while turning the head and walking 30 m. Significant between-group differences were found at posttest. A significant decrease was seen in the control group in the walking-forward test, and this change was significantly different between groups. The study indicates that balance performance in healthy older adults might be improved by balance training including exercises that stimulate multiple sensory systems and their central integration.