title: Effects of therapeutic exercise for persons with osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a systematic review.
abstract: A systematic literature review was conducted and revealed nine studies investigating the effects of therapeutic exercise for persons with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Although modest improvements were noted in strength and balance, results were inconsistent in supporting therapeutic exercise as effective in improving outcomes such as pain and quality of life (QOL).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise as an intervention for patients over age 45 years with one or more osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The effects of the intervention on the following outcomes are summarized in this review: pain/analgesic use, QOL, function, strength, balance, range of motion, bone mineral density, and incidence of future fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature review of therapeutic exercise as a treatment for persons with osteoporotic vertebral fractures was conducted. Studies were retrieved from six databases, screened for inclusion, and assessed for methodological quality. Results were analyzed qualitatively based on levels of evidence, methodological rigor, and consistency of findings across studies within each of the eight health-related outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Due to inconsistent results across the nine studies included in the review, there is only limited or inconsistent evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise on each of the outcomes investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to lack of high-quality, consistent research on the effects of exercise for persons with vertebral fractures, no definitive conclusions can be drawn from this systematic review. Positive trends were identified with regard to improvements in strength and balance, with no increase in pain following exercise protocols. Future research is needed in this area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, 212 Friedman Building, 2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dusdal
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grundmanis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Luttin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ritchie
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rompre
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sidhu
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000698:Analgesia / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015519:Bone Density; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome