Effectiveness of a balance training program on functional status and falling frequency in elderly women with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-month Balance Training Program on balance, mobility and falling frequency in women with osteoporosis. METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive elderly women were selected from the Osteometabolic Disease Outpatient Clinic and randomized into 2 groups: the Intervention Group, submitted for balance training; and the Control, without intervention. Balance, mobility and falling frequency were evaluated before and at the end of the trial using: the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Clinical Test Sensory Interaction Balance (CTSIB) and the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUGT). Intervention used techniques to improve balance consisting of one hour sessions/week and a home-based exercise program. RESULTS: Sixty women completed the study and were analyzed. The BBS difference was significant higher in the intervention compared to control (5.5 ± 5.67 vs. -0.5 ± 4.88 score, P<0.001). Similarly, the number of patients in intervention group presented improvement in 2 conditions of CTSIB compared to controls (eyes closed and compliance surface condition: 13 vs. 1 patient, P<0.001; eyes open, visual conflict and compliance condition: 12 vs. 1 patient, P=0.001). Additionally, the difference between the TUGT were reduced in the intervention group compared to control (-3.65 ± 3.61 vs. 2.27 ± 7.18 seconds, P<0.001). Notably, this improvement was paralleled by a reduction in the number of falls in the intervention group compared to control (-0.77 ± 1.76 vs. 0.33±0.96, P<0.018). CONCLUSION: This longitudinal prospective study demonstrated that a intervention using balance training is effective in improving functional and static balance, mobility and falling frequency in elderly women with osteoporosis.