title: Effects of alfacalcidol on back extensor strength gained through back extensor exercise in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the additive effect of the active form of vitamin D3 on the gain in back extensor strength through a back extensor exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 107 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomly divided into two groups: the D3 group and the control group. Both groups were treated with calcium and alendronate and undertook the back extensor exercise. Alfacalcidol was prescribed only to the D3 group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in the demographic data between the two groups. Ninety-four participants who completed a 4-mo intervention were subjected to per-protocol analysis. There was no significant difference in the improvement in back extensor strength between two the groups (P = 0.349). All subjects were further categorized into two subgroups by age. In the older subgroup (≥68 yrs), no significant difference was found in the improvement in back extensor strength (P = 0.316). In the younger subgroup (<68 yrs), the back extensor strength in the D3 group was significantly more improved than in the control group (P = 0.034).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that the administration of the active form of vitamin D3 enhances the beneficial effects of the back extensor exercise in patients younger than those in their late 60s.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kurihara Central Hospital, Kurihara, Japan.
authors.forename: Seigo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hara
authors.forename: Koshi N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Kishimoto
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Okuno
authors.forename: Masahiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oizumi
authors.forename: Eiji
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Itoi
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001415:Back; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000652:urine; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010455:Peptides / Q000652:urine; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D024042:Collagen Type I; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D010455:Peptides; C052929:collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide; D002762:Cholecalciferol; C008088:alfacalcidol