Physical fitness in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture after a resistance and balance exercise programme: 3-month post-intervention follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background Exercise is recommended for individuals with vertebral fractures, but few studies have investigated the effect of exercise on outcomes of importance for this population. Post-intervention effects of exercise are even less studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate habitual walking speed and other health-related outcomes after cessation of a 3-month exercise intervention. Methods This follow-up study was conducted 3 months post-intervention of a randomised controlled trial. A total of 149 community-dwelling Norwegian women aged 65 years or older, diagnosed with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture were randomised into either exercise or control group. Primary outcome was habitual walking speed at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were other measures of physical fitness – including the Four Square Step Test (FSST), functional reach, grip strength and Senior Fitness Test – measures of health-related quality of life and fear of falling. Herein we report secondary data analysis of all outcomes at 6 months (3 months post-intervention). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle, linear mixed regression models were employed. Results For the primary outcome, habitual walking speed, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (0.03 m/s, 95%CI − 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.271) at the 3-month post-intervention follow-up. For secondary outcomes of physical fitness, statistically significant differences in favour of the intervention group were found for balance using the FSST (− 0.68 s, 95%CI − 1.24 to − 0.11, p = 0.019), arm curl (1.3, 95%CI 0.25 to 2.29, p = 0.015), leg strength using the 30-s sit to stand (1.56, 95%CI 0.68 to 2.44, p = 0.001) and mobility using the 2.45-m up and go (− 0.38 s, 95%CI − 0.74 to − 0.02, p = 0.039). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding fear of falling in favour of the intervention group (− 1.7, 95%CI − 2.97 to − 0.38, p = 0.011). No differences between groups were observed for health-related quality of life. Conclusion The results show the improved effects of a multicomponent exercise programme on outcomes like muscle strength, balance and mobility as well as fear of falling in a group of older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture 3 months post-intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02781974 . Registered 25.05.16. Retrospectively registered.

Spinal Orthoses Prescription for Vertebral Fragility Fractures by Italian Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians: The SPIN-VER Survey

“…Moreover, it should be noted how calcium, vitamin D, and amino acids supplementation should be considered in a multidisciplinary integrated intervention combined with lifestyle education to prevent or to counteract the developing of osteosarcopenia [ 3 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Almost 70% of the PRM physicians involved prescribed therapeutic exercise in their clinical practice; these findings are in line with the available literature suggesting its beneficial effects of exercise in terms of pain, posture, physical performance, and HRQoL [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ]. In this scenario, a recent Cochrane Systematic Review performed by Gibbs et al [ 58 ] supported exercise therapy as an effective intervention in functional outcomes improvement in patients suffering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures with moderate evidence.…”

Functional Capacity of Tai Chi-Practicing Elderly People

“…The improved muscle strength among the participants in the interventions groups is gripping, considering that muscle strength naturally may decline with age. Maintenance of muscle strength may prevent loss of functional dependence [ 33 ]. A systematic review reported that exercise might prevent falls and fall-related fractures and reduce risk factors for falls in individuals with low bone mineral density [ 33 ].…”

“…Maintenance of muscle strength may prevent loss of functional dependence [ 33 ]. A systematic review reported that exercise might prevent falls and fall-related fractures and reduce risk factors for falls in individuals with low bone mineral density [ 33 ].…”

Impact of physical activity on incidence of osteoporotic fractures - a review

“…When the training period ended, walking speed was not significantly different between the intervention group and the control group (mean difference 0.04 m/s). Walking speed was measured again in both groups after 3 months and there was also no statistically significant difference (0.03 m/s) [66,67]. The research by Diem S. J. et al concluded that women with slow walking speed were less likely to be independent than women with good walking speed [68].…”

“…The research by Diem S. J. et al concluded that women with slow walking speed were less likely to be independent than women with good walking speed [68]. Nevertheless, a significant improvement in balance and reduction in fear of falling was observed for the intervention group in both measurements [66,67]. Additionally, a study by Otero M. et al also confirmed the positive effect of a physical exercise program based on balance and strength exercises on improving balance but also strength in women with osteoporosis [69].…”