Effectiveness of balance training programme in reducing the frequency of falling in established osteoporotic women: a randomized controlled trial Balance training program is highly effective in improving functional status and reducing the risk of falls in elderly women with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial Long-term effects of a progressive and specific balance-training programme with multi-task exercises for older adults with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled study A 12-month randomized controlled trial of balance training in elderly women with osteoporosis: improvement of quality of life. Short- and Long-Term Effects of Balance Training on Physical Activity in Older Adults With Osteoporosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Positive effects of exercise on falls and fracture risk in osteopenic women Results of a 10 week community based strength and balance training programme to reduce fall risk factors: a randomised controlled trial in 65–75 year old women with osteoporosis Balance training with multi-task exercises improves fall-related self-efficacy, gait, balance performance and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial Randomised controlled trial of effect of high-impact exercise on selected risk factors for osteoporotic fractures Efficacy of a short multidisciplinary falls prevention program for elderly persons with osteoporosis and a fall history: a randomized controlled trial. Reducing the Risk of Falls Through Proprioceptive Dynamic Posture Training in Osteoporotic Women with Kyphotic Posturing: A Randomized Pilot Study Community-based exercise program reduces risk factors for falls in 65- to 75-year-old women with osteoporosis: randomized controlled trial. Effects of exercise and nutrition on postural balance and risk of falling in elderly people with decreased bone mineral density: randomized controlled trial pilot study Vibration or balance training on neuromuscular performance in osteopenic women. A home-based, transtheoretical change model designed strength training intervention to increase exercise to prevent osteoporosis in Iranian women aged 40-65 years: a randomized controlled trial. The effect of 4-week aerobic exercise program on postural balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis Efficacy of home-based exercise for improving quality of life among elderly women with symptomatic osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures
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 : R and omized 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 Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-month Balance Training Program on balance , mobility and falling frequency in women with osteoporosis . Methods Sixty-six consecutive elderly women were selected from the Osteometabolic Disease Outpatient Clinic and r and omized into 2 groups : the ‘ Intervention ’ , su bmi tted for balance training ; and the ‘ Control ’ , without intervention .  Balance , mobility and falling frequency were evaluated before and at the end of the trial , using the Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , the Clinical Test Sensory Interaction Balance ( CTSIB ) and the Timed “ Up & Go ” Test ( TUGT ) . Intervention used techniques to improve balance consisting of a 1-hour session each week and a home-based exercise program . Results Sixty women completed the study and were analyzed . The BBS difference was significant higher in the Intervention group compared to Control ( 5.5 ± 5.67 vs −0.5 ± 4.88 score , p < 0.001 ) . Similarly , the number of patients in the Intervention group presented improvement in two conditions of CTSIB compared to Control ( eyes closed and unstable surface condition : 13 vs one patient , p < 0.001 and eyes open , visual conflict and unstable surface condition : 12 vs one patient , p < 0.001 ) . Additionally , the differences between the TUGT were reduced in the Intervention group compared to Control ( −3.65 ± 3.61 vs 2.27 ± 7.18 seconds , p < 0.001 ) . Notably , this improvement was paralleled by a reduction in the number of falls/patient in the Intervention group compared to Control ( −0.77 ± 1.76 vs 0.33 ± 0.96 , p = 0.018 ) . Conclusion This longitudinal prospect i ve study demonstrated that an intervention using balance training is effective in improving functional and static balance , mobility and falling frequency in elderly women with osteoporosis Objective : To evaluate long-term effects of balance-training on concerns about falling , gait , balance performance , and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis and increased risk of falling . Design : R and omized controlled trial , including three groups ( training , training+physical activity , and control group ) , with follow-ups at three , nine , and 15 months . Short-term , three-month follow-up , benefits for those who fulfilled the first follow-up ( n = 69 ) have previously been reported . Setting : Stockholm , Sweden . Participants : A total of 96 elderly , age 66–87 , with verified osteoporosis . Interventions : Balance-training programme including dual- and multitasks , with or without supplementary physical activity , three times/week over 12 weeks . Measurements : Concerns about falling Falls Efficacy Scale -International ( FES-I ) , walking at preferred speed with and without a cognitive dual-task and at fast speed , balance tests ( one-leg stance and modified figure-of-eight ) , and physical function Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument ( LLFDI ) . Results : Participants in the training group maintained positive effects throughout the study period for concerns about falling ( baseline vs. 15 months , median 27.5 vs. 23 points , p < 0.001 ) and walking performance ( baseline vs. 15 months , p ⩽ 0.05 with an improvement of 0.9–1.4 m/s ) . The Training+physical activity group declined to baseline values at the nine-month follow-up , and were even lower at the 15-month follow-up for concerns about falling ( median 26 vs. 26 points ) , walking performance ( changes of −0.02 to 0.04 m/s ) , and physical function ( mean 44.0 vs. 42.9 points ) . The control group remained unchanged throughout the study period . Conclusions : This balance-training programme reduced concerns about falling , and also improved gait in older adults with osteoporosis and increased risk of falling in a long-term perspective – important issues for fall prevention OBJECTIVE Physical and psychological incapacity , including fear of falling is related to decreased satisfaction with life in osteoporosis ( OP ) . The impact of a balance exercise program on improving the quality of life is not well established . We have , therefore , investigated the effect of 12-month Balance Training Program in quality of life , functional balance and falls in elderly OP women . METHODS Sixty consecutive women with senile OP were r and omized into a Balance Training Group ( BT ) of 30 patients and no intervention control group ( CG ) of 30 patients . The BT program included techniques to improve balance over a period of 12 months ( 1h exercise session/week and home-based exercises ) . The quality of life was evaluated before and at the end of the trial using the Osteoporosis Assessment Question naire ( OPAQ ) , functional balance was evaluated by Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) . Falls in the preceding year were noted and compared to the period of study . RESULTS The comparison of OPAQ variations ( INITIAL-FINAL ) revealed a significant improvement in quality of life in all parameters for BT compared to CG : well-being ( 1.61+/-1.44 vs. -1.46+/-1.32 , p<0001 ) , physical function ( 1.30+/-1.33 vs. -0.36+/-0.82 , p<0.001 ) , psychological status ( 1.58+/-1.36 vs. -1.02+/-0.83 , p<0.001 ) , symptoms ( 2.76+/-1.96 vs. -0.63+/-0.87 , p<0.001 ) , social interaction ( 1.01+/-1.51 vs. 0.35+/-1.08 , p<0.001 ) . Of note , this overall benefit was paralleled by an improvement of BBS ( -5.5+/-5.67 vs. + 0.5+/-4.88 p<0.001 ) and a reduction of falls in 50 % in BT group vs. 26.6 % for the CG ( RR : 1.88 , p<0.025 ) . CONCLUSION The long-term Balance Training Program of OP women provides a striking overall health quality of life improvement in parallel with improving functional balance and reduced falls Background and Purpose : We have developed a 12-week balance training program for older adults shown to improve fall-related concerns , gait speed , balance performance , and physical function . We hypothesized that this balance training would also contribute to higher habitual physical activity ( PA ) levels and improved health-related quality of life ( HRQoL ) . The primary aim was to evaluate short- and long-term effects of the balance training program on objective ly measured habitual PA in older adults with osteoporosis . Secondary aims were to assess the effects of the balance training on HRQoL , and to study whether any effects on PA were associated with changes in HRQoL , gait speed , balance performance , fall-related concerns , and physical function . Methods : A r and omized controlled trial with follow-up at 3 , 9 , and 15 months , including 91 participants with osteoporosis ( 75.6 ± 5.4 years ) , compared a balance training group  ( n = 61 ) with a control group ( n = 30 ) . The primary outcome was effect on habitual PA measured as steps/day , dichotomized into less than 5000 or 5000 or more steps/day . Physical activity was assessed with pedometers ( Yamax ) and accelerometers ( Actigraph ) , HRQoL with the Short Form-36 ( SF-36 ) , gait with a GAITRite walkway , balance performance with Modified-Figure-Eight test and one-leg stance , fall-related concerns with Falls Efficacy Scale International , and physical function with the advanced lower extremity subscale of the question naire Late Life Function and Disability Instrument . Statistical methods used were multivariate logistic regression and logistic generalized estimating equation . Results : Sixty-eight participants completed the short-term follow-up at 3 months , and 53 participants completed the long-term follow-up at 15 months . Per- protocol analysis ( n = 68 ) showed that the odds ratio for having a daily step count of 5000 or more at 3 months was 6.17 ( 95 % confidence interval , 1.23 - 30.91 ) , P = .027 , for the intervention group compared with the control group . The longitudinal analysis ( n = 91 ) showed that the odds ratio for having a daily step count of 5000 or more at 15 months was 2.02 ( 95 % confidence interval , 0.88 - 4.64 ) , P = .096 , for the intervention group compared with the control group . The mental component sum of the SF-36 improved significantly from baseline to 3 months in the intervention group , and the physical component sum improved in both groups , but no statistically significant differences were found between groups . No associations were found between PA and changes in covariates . Discussion and Conclusions : The short-term evaluation showed that balance training increased habitual PA in community-dwelling older adults with osteoporosis . A significantly higher proportion of participants in the intervention group reached a level of 5000 or more steps/day , which is important for overall health . This effect was not associated with improvements in HRQoL , gait speed , balance performance , or fall-related concerns , and did not persist through the long-term follow-up . To accomplish a sustained PA change , a prolonged intervention or more support regarding habitual PA may be required , such as reinforcement with personalized behavior change counseling or PA on prescription Summary Exercise may affect osteopenic women at risk of falls and fractures .  A workstation approach to exercise was evaluated in a r and omised study of 98 women . The intervention group improved in measures of balance , strength and bone density . This study supports a preventative exercise approach that aims to reduce risk factors for fractures and falls , in women already at risk , through balance training and weight-bearing activity . Introduction The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a workstation balance training and weight-bearing exercise program on balance , strength and bone mineral density ( BMD ) in osteopenic women . A single-blinded r and omised controlled trial ( RCT ) was undertaken for 20 weeks with measurements at baseline and completion . Material s and methods Ninety-eight ( 98 ) community-dwelling osteopenic women aged 41–78 years were recruited through the North Brisbane electoral roll . Subjects were r and omised via computer-generated r and om numbers lists into either a control ( receiving no intervention ) , or exercise group ( two one-hour exercise sessions per week for 20 weeks with a trained physiotherapist ) . Assessment s at baseline and post-intervention included balance testing ( five measures ) , strength testing ( quadriceps , hip adductors / abductors / external rotators and trunk extensors ) , and DXA scans ( proximal femur and lumbar spine ) . Baseline assessment showed no significant differences between groups for all demographics and measures except for subjects taking osteoporosis medication . The percentage differences between pre- and post-intervention measurements were examined for group effect by ANOVA using an intention-to-treat protocol . Results Ninety-eight women ( mean age 62.01 years , SD 8.9 years ) enrolled in the study . The mean number of classes attended for the 42 participants in the  exercise group who completed the program was 28.2 of a possible 40 classes ( 71 % ) . At the completion of the trial the intervention group showed markedly significant better performances in balance ( unilateral and bilateral stance sway measures , lateral reach , timed up and go and step test ) ( p < 0.05 ) with strong positive training effects reflecting improvements of between 10 % to 71 % . Similarly there were gains in strength of the hip muscles ( abductors , adductors , and external rotators ) , quadriceps and trunk extensors with training effects between 9 % and 23 % . Conclusions Specific workstation exercises can significantly improve balance and strength in osteopenic women . This type of training may also positively influence bone density although further study is required with intervention over a longer period . A preventative exercise program may reduce the risk of falls and fractures in osteopenic women already at risk Objective —To test the efficacy of a community based 10 week exercise intervention to reduce fall risk factors in women with osteoporosis . Methods —Static balance was measured by computerised dynamic posturography ( Equitest ) , dynamic balance by timed figure of eight run , and knee extension strength by dynamometry . Subjects were r and omised to exercise intervention ( twice weekly Osteofit classes for 10 weeks ) or control groups . Results —The outcome in 79 participants ( 39 exercise , 40 control ) who were available for measurement 10 weeks after baseline measurement is reported . After confounding factors had been controlled for , the exercise group did not make significant gains compared with their control counterparts , although there were consistent trends toward greater improvement in all three primary outcome measures . Relative to the change in control subjects , the exercise group improved by 2.3 % in static balance , 1.9 % in dynamic balance , and 13.9 % in knee extension strength . Conclusions —A 10 week community based physical activity intervention did not significantly reduce fall risk factors in women with osteoporosis . However , trends toward improvement in key independent risk factors for falling suggest that a study with greater power may show that these variables can be improved to a level that reaches statistical significance Objective : To evaluate the effects of a balance training program including dual- and multi-task exercises on fall-related self-efficacy , fear of falling , gait and balance performance , and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis with an increased risk of falling and to evaluate whether additional physical activity would further improve the effects . Design : R and omized controlled trial , including three groups : two intervention groups ( Training , or Training+Physical activity ) and one Control group , with a 12-week follow-up . Setting : Stockholm County , Sweden . Participants : Ninety-six older adults , aged 66 - 87 , with verified osteoporosis . Interventions : A specific and progressive balance training program including dual- and multi-task three times/week for 12 weeks , and physical activity for 30 minutes , three times/week . Main measures : Fall-related self-efficacy ( Falls Efficacy Scale-International ) , fear of falling ( single-item question – ‘ In general , are you afraid of falling ? ’ ) , gait speed with and without a cognitive dual-task at preferred pace and fast walking ( GAITRite ® ) , balance performance tests ( one-leg stance , and modified figure of eight ) , and physical function ( Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument ) . Results : Both intervention groups significantly improved their fall-related self-efficacy as compared to the controls ( p ≤ 0.034 , 4 points ) and improved their balance performance . Significant differences over time and between groups in favour of the intervention groups were found for walking speed with a dual-task ( p=0.003 ) , at fast walking speed ( p=0.008 ) , and for advanced lower extremity physical function ( p=0.034 ) . Conclusions : This balance training program , including dual- and multi-task , improves fall-related self-efficacy , gait speed , balance performance , and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis BACKGROUND Osteoporotic fractures among the elderly are common , and without preventive measures the burden of these fractures on health-care systems will increase further . The purpose of this r and omised controlled study was to evaluate , in premenopausal women , the effects of high-impact loading on several determinants osteoporotic fractures . METHODS 98 healthy , sedentary female volunteers aged 35 - 45 years were r and omly assigned to either a training ( n = 49 ) or a control group ( n = 49 ) . Progressive high-impact exercises were done three times per week for 18 months . We measured bone mineral density ( BMD ) in specific axial and lower-limb sites , by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry , at baseline and after 12 and 18 months . Maximum isometric strength , muscular and cardiovascular performance , and dynamic balance were also assessed . FINDINGS BMD at the femoral neck , a weightbearing site , increased significantly more in the training group ( mean 1.6 % [ 95 % CI 0.8 - 2.4 ] ) than in the control group ( 0.6 % [ -0.2 to 1.4 ] , p = 0.006 ) . By contrast , at non-weightbearing sites , such as the distal radius , there was no significant difference between the training and control groups ( -1.5 % [ -2.7 to -0.3 ] vs -0.7 % [ -1.9 to -0.5 ] , p = 0.60 ) . In the training group there was a significant improvement in vertical jump and predicted oxygen consumption per min at maximum exercise compared with controls . INTERPRETATION High-impact exercises that load bones with a rapidly rising force profile in versatile movements improve skeletal integrity , muscular performance , and dynamic balance in premenopausal women . If done on a regular basis , this type of exercise may help decrease the risk of osteoporotic fractures in later life . Long-term studies are required to show whether these 18-month results can be translated into long-term benefit OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the Nijmegen Falls Prevention Program ( NFPP ) for persons with osteoporosis and a fall history in a r and omized controlled trial . Persons with osteoporosis are at risk for fall-related fractures because of decreased bone strength . A decrease in the number of falls therefore is expected to be particularly beneficial for these persons . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . SETTING Hospital . PARTICIPANTS Persons with osteoporosis and a fall history ( N=96 ; mean ± SD age , 71.0±4.7y ; 90 women ) . INTERVENTION After baseline assessment , participants were r and omly assigned to the exercise ( n=50 ; participated in the NFPP for persons with osteoporosis [ 5.5wk ] ) or control group ( n=46 ; usual care ) . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measure was fall rate , measured by using monthly fall calendars for 1 year . Secondary outcomes were balance confidence ( Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale ) , quality of life ( QOL ; Quality of Life Question naire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis ) , and activity level ( LASA Physical Activity Question naire , pedometer ) , assessed posttreatment subsequent to the program and after 1 year of follow-up . RESULTS The fall rate in the exercise group was 39 % lower than for the control group ( .72 vs 1.18 falls/person-year ; risk ratio , .61 ; 95 % confidence interval , .40-.94 ) . Balance confidence in the exercise group increased by 13.9 % ( P=.001 ) . No group differences were observed in QOL and activity levels . CONCLUSION The NFPP for persons with osteoporosis was effective in decreasing the number of falls and improving balance confidence . Therefore , it is a valuable new tool to improve mobility and independence of persons with osteoporosis Sinaki M , Lynn SG : Reducing the risk of falls through proprioceptive dynamic posture training in osteoporotic women with kyphotic posturing : A r and omized pilot study . Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:241–246 . Objective To assess the effect of a proprioceptive dynamic posture training program on balance in osteoporotic women with kyphotic posture . Design Subjects were r and omly assigned to either a proprioceptive dynamic posture training program or exercise only group .  Anthropometric measurements , muscle strength , level of physical activity , computerized dynamic posturography , and spine radiography  were performed at baseline and 1 mo . Results At the 1-mo follow-up , three groups were formed on the basis of the baseline computerized dynamic posturography results . In general , groups 1 and 2 had no significant change at 1 mo , whereas group 3 improved balance significantly at 1 mo . Conclusion The subjects who had abnormal balance and used the proprioceptive dynamic posture training program had the most significant improvement in balance . Improved balance could reduce the risk of falls BACKGROUND Exercise programs improve balance , strength and agility in elderly people and thus may prevent falls . However , specific exercise programs that might be widely used in the community and that might be " prescribed " by physicians , especially for patients with osteoporosis , have not been evaluated . We conducted a r and omized controlled trial of such a program design ed specifically for women with osteoporosis . METHODS We identified women 65 to 75 years of age in whom osteoporosis had been diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in our hospital between 1996 and 2000 and who were not engaged in regular weekly programs of moderate or hard exercise .  Women who agreed to participate were r and omly assigned to participate in a twice-weekly exercise class or to not participate in the class . We measured baseline data and , 20 weeks later , changes in static balance ( by dynamic posturography ) , dynamic balance ( by a timed figure-eight run ) and knee extension strength ( by dynamometry ) . RESULTS Of 93 women who began the trial , 80 completed it . Before adjustment for covariates , the intervention group tended to have greater , although nonsignificant , improvements in static balance ( mean difference 4.8 % , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] -1.3 % to 11.0 % ) , dynamic balance ( mean difference 3.3 % , 95 % CI -1.7 % to 8.4 % ) and knee extension strength ( mean difference 7.8 % , 95 % CI -5.4 % to 21.0 % ) . Mean crude changes in the static balance score were -0.85 ( 95 % CI -2.91 to 1.21 ) for the control group and 1.40 ( 95 % CI -0.66 to 3.46 ) for the intervention group . Mean crude changes in figure-eight velocity ( dynamic balance ) were 0.08 ( 95 % CI 0.02 to 0.14 ) m/s for the control group and 0.14 ( 95 % CI 0.08 to 0.20 ) m/s for the intervention group . For knee extension strength , mean changes were -0.58 ( 95 % CI -3.02 to 1.81 ) kg/m for the control group and 1.03 ( 95 % CI -1.31 to 3.34 ) kg/m for the intervention group . After adjustment for age , physical activity and years of estrogen use , the improvement in dynamic balance was 4.9 % greater for the intervention group than for the control group ( p = 0.044 ) . After adjustment for physical activity , cognitive status and number of fractures ever , the improvement in knee extension strength was 12.8 % greater for the intervention group than for the control group ( p = 0.047 ) . The intervention group also had a 6.3 % greater improvement in static balance after adjustment for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis , but this difference was not significant ( p = 0.06 ) . INTERPRETATION Relative to controls , participants in the exercise program experienced improvements in dynamic balance and strength , both important determinants of risk for falls , particularly in older women with osteoporosis Objective : To compare the effect of calcium/vitamin D supplements with a combination of calcium/vitamin D supplements and exercise/protein on risk of falling and postural balance . Design : R and omized clinical trial . Setting : University hospital physiotherapy department . Subjects : Twenty-four independently living elderly females aged 65 years and older with osteopenia or osteoporosis and mean total hip T-score ( SD ) of —1.8 ( 0.8 ) . Interventions : A three-month programme consisting of exercise/protein including training of muscular strength , co-ordination , balance and endurance . Calcium/ vitamin D was supplemented in all participants for a 12-month period . Outcome measures : Assessment took place prior to and following the months 3 , 6 , 9 and at the end of the study ; primary dependent variables assessed were risk of falling ( Berg Balance Test ) and postural balance ( forceplate ) . Secondary measures included body composition , strength , activity level , number of falls , bone mineral content , biochemical indices , nutritional status and general health . Results : Significant reductions of risk of falling ( repeated measures ANOVA F = 8.90 , P = 0.008 ) , an increase in muscular strength ( ANOVA F = 3.0 , P = 0.03 ) , and an increase in activity level ( ANOVA F = 3.38 , P = 0.02 ) were found in the experimental group as compared to the control group . Further on , there was 89 % reduction of falls reported in the experimental group ( experimental pre/post 8/1 falls ; control group pre/post 5/6 falls ) . Conclusion : This study provides support for our intervention programme aim ed at reducing the risk of falling in elderly participants diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis . The data obtained from the pilot study allow the calculation of the actual sample size needed for a larger r and omized trial Maintaining neuromuscular function in older age is an important topic for aging societies , especially for older women with low bone density who may be at risk of falls and bone fracture . This r and omized controlled trial investigated the effect of resistive exercise with either whole-body vibration training ( VIB ) or coordination/balance training ( BAL ) on neuromuscular function ( countermovement jump , multiple 1-leg hopping , sit-to-st and test ) . 68 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis were recruited for the study . 57 subjects completed the 9-month , twice weekly , intervention period . All subjects conducted 30 min of resistance exercise each training day . The VIB-group performed additional training on the Galileo vibration exercise device . The BAL-group performed  balance training .  An " intent-to-treat " analysis showed greater improvement in the VIB-group for peak countermovement power ( p=0.004 ) . The mean [ 95 % confidence interval ] effect size for this parameter was a + 0.9[0.3 to 1.5 ] W/kg greater change in VIB than BAL after 9 months . In multiple 1-leg hopping , a significantly better performance in the VIB-group after the intervention period was seen on a " per- protocol " analysis only . Both groups improved in the sit-to-st and test . The current study provides evidence that short- duration whole-body vibration exercise can have a greater impact on some aspects of neuromuscular function in post-menopausal women with low bone density than proprioceptive training Physical activity ( PA ) helps to prevent osteoporosis , but older women are often sedentary . This study used a pre-post r and omized controlled design to evaluate a 12-week exercise education intervention program based on the stages of change ( SoC ) and processes of change from the transtheoretical change model ( TTM ) to improve adherence with strength and balance training recommendations at levels sufficient to prevent osteoporosis in Iranian women aged 40 - 65 years . The home-based exercise prescription consisted of strength and balance training that was progressive , individually tailored and included a walking program . Individuals in the training group ( n=61 ) had a positive , significant progression in psychological SoC ( P<0.001 ) , whereas no progression in stages occurred in the control group ( n=55 ) . After the intervention , the training group demonstrated significant improvements in PA , lower body muscle strength , static and dynamic balance , with no significant changes in the control group . These results support the applicability of the TTM for a PA intervention and indicate that this training program is very effective in improving balance and lower body strength in older women The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of submaximal aerobic exercise program on postural balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis . Twenty-five postmenopausal women without osteoporosis and 28 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis enrolled in this study .  Balance ability of all subjects was measured by timed up and go test ( TUG ) , four square step test ( FSS ) , Berg balance scale ( BBS ) and Kinesthetic ability trainer 3000 . After completion of initial measurements of balance , postmenopausal women with osteoporosis attended the submaximal aerobic exercise program on treadmill . At the end of the exercise program , balance tests were repeated . Balance tests of postmenopausal women without osteoporosis were repeated approximately 4-weeks after the initial measurement . There was statistically significant improvement in all balance scores in the postmenopausal women with osteoporosis after exercise training whereas there were no statistically significant differences in the scores of postmenopausal women without osteoporosis who did not exercise . This study showed that a 4-week submaximal aerobic exercise program provided significant improvements in static and dynamic balances in postmenopausal osteoporotic women This r and omized controlled trial was design ed to investigate the effect of a 6-month home-based exercise program versus control ( usual activities ) on quality of life for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who had at least one vertebral fracture . Twelve-month assessment s of outcomes were completed to determine if women would continue exercising with minimal supervision and if benefit could be sustained . The home exercise program followed a " lifestyle exercise " approach where participants completed exercises 60 min per day , 3 days a week and could complete exercises in small periods of time throughout the day . Exercise activities included stretching , strength training and aerobics ( i.e. walking ) . Participants were assessed at baseline , 6 months , and 12 months using the Osteoporosis Quality of Life Question naire ( OQLQ ) , the Sickness Impact Profile ( SIP ) , a balance test , and the Timed Up And Go test . Bone mineral density was assessed at baseline and 12 months for both the lumbar spine and femoral neck . Quality of life ( OQLQ ) improved over 6 months in the exercise group compared to the control group in the domains of symptoms ( P=0.003 ) , emotion ( P=0.01 ) and leisure ( P=0.03 ) . Results from the balance test indicated a greater effect in the exercise group over 12 months ( P<0.05 ) . There were no significant differences between groups in measures of Timed Up and Go , SIP at 6 and 12 months , and femoral neck and lumbar spine bone mineral density at 12 months . Home-based exercise with minimal supervision improves quality of life in elderly women with vertebral fractures . Future research is needed to determine if home exercise programs reduce falls and fall-related injuries in the elderly
Balance training may significantly reduce the frequency of falls in patients with osteoporosis
BACKGROUND Balance training may be beneficial for patients with osteoporosis , although current results are inconclusive .
The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to explore the effect of balance training on falls in patients with osteoporosis .