Postural control in elderly persons with osteoporosis: Efficacy of an intervention program to improve balance and muscle strength: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of an exercise program aiming to improve balance and muscular strength, for postural control and muscular strength of women with osteoporosis.


METHODS
Sample consisted of 33 women with osteoporosis, randomized into one of two groups: intervention group, in which exercises for balance and improvement of muscular strength of the inferior members were performed for 8 wks (n = 17, age 72.8 +/- 3.6 yrs); control group, which was women not practicing exercises (n = 16, age 74.4 +/- 3.7 yrs). At baseline and after 8 wks of treatment, postural control was assessed using a force plate (Balance Master, Neurocom), and muscular strength during ankle dorsiflexion, knee extension, and flexion was assessed by dynamometry.


RESULTS
Adherence to the program was 82%. When compared with the control group, individuals in the intervention group significantly improved the center of pressure velocity (P = 0.02) in the modified clinical test of sensory interaction for balance test, center of pressure velocity (P < 0.01), and directional control (P < 0.01) in limits of stability test, isometric force during ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0.01), knee extension (P < 0.01), and knee flexion (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Balance and strength exercises are effective in improving postural control and lower-limb strength in elderly women with osteoporosis.
Burke
Thomaz Nogueira
TN
Department of Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
França
Fábio Jorge Renovato
FJ
Ferreira de Meneses
Sarah Rúbia
SR
Cardoso
Viviam Inhasz
VI
Marques
Amélia Pasqual
AP
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011336:Probability; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome