Effect of a home-based resistance exercise program in elderly participants with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a home-based resistance exercise (HBRE) program versus control on physical function, exercise self-efficacy, falling efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This randomized controlled trial included 72 elderly participants with osteoporosis. Participants in the intervention group received a 12-week HBRE program, and the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was physical function, including muscle strength and balance ability; secondary outcomes were exercise self-efficacy, falling efficacy, and HRQOL. Within-group and between-group changes in outcome were evaluated by t-test and rank-sum test. A total of 68 subjects were included in the final analysis. Improvement in physical function was significantly greater in the HBRE group compared with controls. On a psychological level, exercise self-efficacy and falling efficacy improved significantly in the HBRE group; no significant change was observed in the control group. Most of the dimensions of HRQOL demonstrated improvements as well. The adherence was 85.29%, with no adverse events related to the exercise. A 12-week HBRE program was safe non-pharmacological therapy for elderly participants with osteoporosis, improving physical function, exercise self-efficacy, reduced fear of falling, and improved HRQOL. Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR2100051455. Registered 23.09.21. Retrospectively registered.