PMS98 - EFFECTIVENESS OF FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

Physical exercise plays a crucial role in bone health by slowing the rate of bone loss and reducing the risk of fractures from osteoporosis. Our study aimed to examine the efficiency of preventive fall risk reduction exercise programs on balance, pain, trunk stability and functional mobility. The exercise program had taken place in daily half-hour sessions over a three-week period. Twenty-five women (mean age: 66.36 years) participated in the exercise program. The type of sampling was not-randomized and convenience. The participating patients underwent six tests, which included Flamingo Balance Test (FBT), Balance Beam Test (BBT), Matthiass Test (MT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Lumbar Motor Control Test (LMCT), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the study. Test results before and after the exercise program showed significant differences. The FBT showed improvements in both the right (pre- 5.50; post- 3.19, p=0.0001) and left (pre- 4.53; post- 2.59; p=0.0014) legs. The BBT indicated dynamic balance improvements (pre- 3.68; post- 4.32; p<0.0001). The Matthiass Test demonstrated improved results in patients’ physical abilities and strengthened trunk muscles (mean of first measurement= 47.84 sec.; mean of second measurement= 57.72 sec., p=0.0002). The TUG Test proved that patients’ functional mobility improves as a result of exercise (pre- 8.5 sec.; post- 7.60 sec.; p<0.0001). The LMCT showed improvements in motor control ability in sitting (pre- 1.824 cm; post- 1.34 cm; p=0.0001) and in standing (pre- 1.656 cm; post- 1.18; p<0.0001). Results of the VAS established that exercise helps relieve pain from 6.16 to 3.72 (p<0.0001). Based on these results, we can conclude that preventive fall risk reduction exercise programs are effective in increasing trunk strength and physical function; they also improve static and dynamic balance, functional mobility and lumbar motor control, while they also help relieve pain.