title: The level of physical activity in patients with osteoporosis in relation to the risk and prevention of falls.
abstract: Background. Thanks to modern methods of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, we currently possess the means to counteract the consequences of osteoprosis and limit the number of falls in osteoporotic patients. Material and methods. Based on an original questionnaire, we analyzed a group of 54 patients (48 women and 6 men) under treatment for osteoporosis in order to assess the level of physical activity and the reasons for its reduction in patients with osteoporosis, to determine the situations mostly endangered by falls, and to survey the opinion of patients regarding the need for a rehabilitation program to prevent falls. Results. 68.5% of the patients stated that osteoporosis has reduced their everyday physical activity. Among these patients, 54% reported a fall during the last year. The most common reasons for reduced activity were fear of falling and incurring a fracture (38.8%)and pain (34.7%). The activity most likely to cause a fall was slow walking (51.6%). 92.6% of the surveyed patients were willing to participation in rehabilitation classes to reduce the risk of a fall; of these patients, 50% reported reduced physical activity, 20% significantly reduced, and 30% no change. Conclusions. Falls and consequent fractures, both prior and anticipated, are the most common reason for reduced physical activity in patients with osteoporosis. Pain was a major cause of reduced everyday activity among patients who had already incurred osteoporotic fractures and had symptoms of osteoporosis for more than 6 years. According to patients, the activity bearing the greatest risk of a fall is walking.
authors.affiliation: Zakład Rehabilitacji Oddziału Fizjoterapii II Wydziału Lekarskiego AM, Warszawa.
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lewczuk
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Białoszewski