title: Efficacy of group-adapted physical exercises in reducing back pain in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The clinical effects of osteoporosis include pain, fractures, and physical disability, causing a loss of independence and necessitating long-term care. Whereas the effects of exercise therapy in decreasing body mass index and preventing fractures are well established, there is no consensus on back pain and quality of life in women with osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a brief course of rehabilitation, comprising group-adapted physical exercises, with regard to back pain, disability, and quality of life in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who had no evidence of fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  The enrolled patients were randomized into two groups: the treatment group underwent ten sessions of rehabilitative exercises, and the control group received an instructional booklet with descriptions and figures of exercises that were to be performed at home.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty patients completed the trial and assessments, including a 6-month follow-up. The treatment was effective versus the control group, significantly improving pain (Visual Analogue Scale: p < 0.001 at the end of the treatment and at the follow-up; McGill Pain Questionnaire: p = 0.018 at the follow-up), disability (Oswestry Disability Questionnaire: p < 0.001 at the end and follow-up), and quality of life (Shortened Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire: p = 0.021 at the end of treatment; p = 0.005 at follow-up).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that group rehabilitation reduces back pain and improves functional status and quality of life in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, maintaining these outcomes for 6 months. The use of physical exercises might strengthen the habit to training.
authors: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Paolucci
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Morone
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Iosa
authors: Maria Rosaria
authors: MR
authors: Grasso
authors: Emigen
authors: E
authors: Buzi
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Zangrando
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Paolucci
authors: Vincenzo Maria
authors: VM
authors: Saraceni
authors: Augusto
authors: A
authors: Fusco
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome