Whilst further countermeasure optimisation is required, the results provide evidence that (1) combining whole-body vibration and high-load resistance exercise may be more efficient than high-load resistive exercise alone in preventing bone loss at some skeletal sites during and after prolonged bed rest and (2) the effects of exercise during bed rest impact upon bone recovery up to 3 months afterwards.

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Reference values of sway parameters have not been published for the Leonardo mechanograph® so far. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine normative values on postural control measured by the force plate Leonardo Mechanograph® and to analyze the influence of age and sex on balance performance. A set of standardized standing positions with eyes opened (Romberg, semi-tandem, tandem, unipedal standing) was carried out. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to detect age-and sex-related differences in center of pressure (COP) parameters (path length, velocity, elliptical area, anterior-posterior, and medio-lateral directions). Measurements were available for 570 subjects aged 20–86 years. Statistical analysis showed a high effect of age group on postural control (partial n² between 0.1 and 0.4) with a U-shaped dependency between postural control and age for all area- and path-related COP parameters, with the largest sway in the youngest (aged 20–40) and the oldest age group (aged 60–86). For velocity of COP, a linear deterioration with increasing age was found. Medio-lateral components of COP are likely to indicate the extent of postural control. Significant sex differences were not clearly supported by current findings. Age- and sex-related normative values are a useful resource for diagnostic, research, and training.

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Background This primary analysis evaluated the “PREVenting the impairment of primary Osteoarthritis by high-impact long-term Physical exercise regimen—Psychological Adherence Program” (PrevOP-PAP), designed to support patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) to engage in regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to reduce OAK symptoms (WOMAC scores). Theory-based on the health action process approach (HAPA), the intervention targeted volitional precursors of MVPA change: action and coping planning, maintenance and recovery self-efficacy, action control, and social network formation. We hypothesized that compared to an active control condition, increases in MVPA at the end of the 12-month intervention would translate into lower WOMAC scores at 24 months in the intervention condition. Methods Participants with radiographically verified moderate OAK (N = 241; 62.66% female; M(SD) = 65.60(7.61) years) were randomly assigned to the intervention (51%) or the active control condition. WOMAC scores (24 months) were the primary -, accelerometer-assessed MVPA (12 months) the key secondary outcomes. The PrevOP-PAP was a 12-month intervention with computer-assisted face-to-face and phone-based sessions designed to increase HAPA-proposed volitional precursors of MVPA change (up to 24 months; secondary outcomes). Intent-to-treat analyses included multiple regression and manifest path models. Results MVPA (12 months) did not mediate effects of the PrevOP-PAP on WOMAC scores (24 months). Compared to the active control condition, WOMAC scores (24 months) were lower in the intervention condition, but this effect did not remain stable in sensitivity analyses (b(SE) = -8.41(4.66), 95%-CI [-17.53; 0.71]). However, exploratory analyses revealed significantly stronger reductions in WOMAC-pain (24 months) in the intervention condition (b(SE) = -2.99(1.18), 95%-CI [-5.36; -0.63]). Groups did not differ in MVPA at 12 months (b(SE) = -3.78(3.42), 95%-CI [-10.80; 2.58]). Of the proposed precursors of MVPA change, action planning was higher in the intervention than in the control condition (24 months; b(SE) = 0.64(0.26), 95%-CI [0.14; 1.15]). Conclusions Compared to an active control condition, the PrevOP-PAP did not produce reliable effects on WOMAC scores and none on preceding MVPA. Of the HAPA-proposed volitional precursors, only action planning was sustainably increased. Future interventions should use m-health applications to digitally support long-term changes in proposed volitional precursors of MVPA change. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00009677; also available at http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/; registration number: DRKS00009677; date of registration: 26/01/2016.