title: Effects of physical therapy on quality of life in osteoporosis patients - a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  The aim of this prospective randomized single-center study was to investigate whether sling exercise therapy is superior to conventional exercises in osteoporosis patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Patients with osteoporosis frequently experience fractures of the vertebral body, which may cause chronic back pain and other symptoms. These, in turn, may lead to immobilization, muscular atrophy, and restrictions in activities of daily living. The situation can be improved with specific medication and physiotherapy. We explored the effects of a variety of physical treatments on activities of daily living in patients with osteoporosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. Group A received traditional physiotherapy (PT) while group B underwent sling exercise therapy (ST). Both treatments were given twice a week for three months. The results of the treatment were registered on the quality of life questionnaire (Qualeffo-41) devised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. After a further three months with no specific exercise treatment, we again tested all patients in order to draw conclusions about the long-term effects of both types of exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-four patients (88%) completed the study. Patients were assigned to small groups (a maximum of 5 patients in each group) and thus received individual attention and motivation. Quality of life was improved in both groups; a significantly greater improvement was registered in patients who performed sling exercises (Global score Qualeffo: p = 0.002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The test results confirm the known positive effects of physical therapy on the quality of life of osteoporosis patients, as well as the fact that sling exercises are a sound alternative treatment for this condition.
authors.affiliation: Klinikum Südstadt Rostock, Department Internal Med, Südring 81, Rostock, 18059, Germany. guido.schroeder1@gmx.net
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schröder
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knauerhase
authors.forename: Guenther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kundt
authors.forename: Hans-Christof
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Schober
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome