Riassunto dello studio

One hundred and forty-nine elderly women diagnosed with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture were randomized to receive a 12 week progressive resistance and balance group training program (n=76) or no treatment (n=73) for the improvement of physical performance and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was the 10-metre habitual walking speed. Secondary outcomes of interest included the functional reach test, four square step test, grip strength, arm curl, 30 second sit to stand test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 6 minute walk test (6MWT), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) quality of life survey and associated sub-scores (i.e., physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, mental health, physical component score, and mental component score), Quality of Life for Osteoporosis (Qualeffo-41) sub-scores (i.e.,score pain, physical functioning, leisure and social activities, views about health in general, mood, and total), pain on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and fear of falls via the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Outcomes were assessed upon completion of the 3 month treatment program. Results revealed no statistical significant differences between the two groups in walking speed (p=0.132). No statistical significant differences in functional reach test, grip strength in the right limb, TUG test, or 6MWT were observed between the two groups (p>0.05 for all). However, four square step test (p=0.044), arm curl test (p=0.005), FES-I scores (p=0.018), and sit to stand test (p<0.001) results were statistically significantly in favour of the intervention group compared to the control group. No statistical significant differences were observed between the two groups in all SF-36 and the Qualeffo-41 sub-scores (p>0.05 for all).