Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a 12-month sensomotor balance exercise
programme on postural control and the frequency of falling in women with
established osteoporosis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial where the
intervention group was assigned the 12-month Balance Training Programme and the
control group did not undertake any intervention beyond regular osteoporosis
treatment. SUBJECTS: A total of 100 osteoporotic women - at least with one
osteoporotic fracture - aged 65 years old and above. MAIN MEASURES: Balance was
assessed in static and dynamic posture both with performance-based measures of
balance, such as the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test, and with a
stabilometric computerized platform. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the intervention
group completed the 12-month sensomotor Balance Training Programme in an
outpatient setting, guided by physical therapists, three times a week, for 30
minutes. RESULTS: The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test showed a
statistically significant improvement of balance in the intervention group ( p =
0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Balance tests using the stabilometer also
showed a statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic postural
balance for osteoporotic women after the completion of the Balance Training
Programme. As a consequence, the one-year exercise programme significantly
decreased the number of falls in the exercise group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The Balance Training Programme significantly improved the
balance parameters and reduced the number of falls in postmenopausal women who
have already had at least one fracture in the past.

Langue : ANGLAIS