title: Balance training with multi-task exercises improves fall-related self-efficacy, gait, balance performance and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a balance training program including dual- and multi-task exercises on fall-related self-efficacy, fear of falling, gait and balance performance, and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis with an increased risk of falling and to evaluate whether additional physical activity would further improve the effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial, including three groups: two intervention groups (Training, or Training+Physical activity) and one Control group, with a 12-week follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stockholm County, Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-six older adults, aged 66-87, with verified osteoporosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A specific and progressive balance training program including dual- and multi-task three times/week for 12 weeks, and physical activity for 30 minutes, three times/week.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fall-related self-efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), fear of falling (single-item question - 'In general, are you afraid of falling?'), gait speed with and without a cognitive dual-task at preferred pace and fast walking (GAITRite®), balance performance tests (one-leg stance, and modified figure of eight), and physical function (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both intervention groups significantly improved their fall-related self-efficacy as compared to the controls (p ≤ 0.034, 4 points) and improved their balance performance. Significant differences over time and between groups in favour of the intervention groups were found for walking speed with a dual-task (p=0.003), at fast walking speed (p=0.008), and for advanced lower extremity physical function (p=0.034).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This balance training program, including dual- and multi-task, improves fall-related self-efficacy, gait speed, balance performance, and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Stockholm, Sweden alexandra.halvarsson@ki.se.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halvarsson
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Franzén
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Agneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ståhle
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013548:Sweden; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Balance; elderly; falling; gait; osteoporosis