Effect of a balance-training programme on postural balance, aerobic capacity and frequency of falls in women with osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a 12-month complex balance-training programme on static and dynamic postural balance, aerobic capacity and frequency of falls in women with established osteoporosis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial in which the intervention group was assigned a 12-month exercise programme (3 times a week for 30 min) and the control group had no intervention. SUBJECTS: A total of 100 osteoporotic women with at least one previous fracture. METHODS: Performance-based Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and stabilometric platform tests were used to evaluate balance. Aerobic capacity was measured by bicycle ergometry. Frequency of falls was assessed using a falls diary. RESULTS: After 1 year, there was a statistically significant difference between the improvement achieved in the intervention and control groups on the performance-based TUG, BBS and stabilometric platform tests (p < 0.05). Mean metabolic equivalent (MET) value decreased in the intervention group, from 4.91 to 3.82 (a significant difference from the change achieved in the control group; p = 0.05). Relative risk of falls was 0.534 at 1 year (p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: The 12-month balance-training programme significantly improved postural balance and increased aerobic capacity in women with established osteoporosis.