Research and News
Osteoporosis exercise program with elastic resistance can reduce fall risk factors
Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans and is characterized by low bone density. Persons with low bone density are at higher risk of fractures after a fall. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends balance training as part of an exercise program for persons with osteoporosis.
Researchers in Brazil evaluated the effectiveness of an eight week exercise program on balance and strength in women with osteoporosis. 33 subjects were randomly assigned to either the exercise or control group. All subjects were tested before and after the program for isokinetic leg strength and postural stability using a Neurocom Balance Master.
The exercise group performed a 10-minute warm-up followed by 20 minutes of balance training and 30 minutes of lower extremity strengthening exercises using ankle cuff weights and elastic bands.
After the 8-week program, the exercising group significantly improved their balance and leg strength compared to the control group. Adherence was excellent at 82%. While these results are promising, a longer term follow-up would be valuable in evaluating the program’s effectiveness at preventing falls and fractures.
An exercise program utilizing Thera-Band® resistance bands and ankle and wrist weights can be effective at improving risk factors associated with falls in osteoporotic women.
REFERENCE: Burke TN, et al. Postural control in elderly persons with osteoporosis: Efficacy of an intervention program to improve balance and muscle strength: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Jul;89(7):549-56.
Visit the Thera-Band Osteoporosis Resource Center Here
Related posts:
- Thera-Band® exercise helps improve bone density and reduce falls in osteoporosis
- Thera-Band exercises improve strength and quality of life in women with osteoporosis
- Home-based Thera-Band® exercises as effective as gym exercises for diabetes risk factors
- Elastic resistance exercise program effective in high school-based exercises for teens
- Elastic resistance exercise safe and effective for kidney failure patients on dialysis
| Print article | This entry was posted by Dr. Phil Page on April 25, 2011 at 8:32 am, and is filed under Cuff Weights, Research Updates, Thera-Band Elastic Resistance. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
No trackbacks yet.
Thera-Band exercise reduces falls and improves quality of life in women with osteoporosis
about 9 months ago - No comments
Persons with osteoporosis are at higher risk of fracture after a fall. It’s well-known that exercise is an important aspect of managing osteoporosis, yet there are few studies evaluating the effects of balance exercises on actually preventing falls in women with osteoporosis. The Academy Blog recently featured a study showing that elastic resistance training can…
Thera-Band exercises improve strength and quality of life in women with osteoporosis
about 1 year ago - No comments
Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mass and is associated with an increased risk of fracture after falls, particularly in the hip and mid-back. Osteoporotic women are often physically frail as well, leading to disability. Weight-bearing and resistive exercises have been shown to reduce the loss of bone (as measured by bone mineral density).…
Thera-Band® exercises improve posture and strength in women with excessive kyphosis
about 1 year ago - No comments
NOTE: In the Academy Blog, I like to report on the most current research; however, I periodically come across references from years ago that are significant contributions to practice; and thus, “blog-worthy.” I’ve come across a few of these recently, so you might see a couple of ‘older’ references…but I’m sure it will be valuable…
Thera-Band® exercises improve kyphotic posture in women
about 1 year ago - 8 comments
It’s generally accepted that our posture declines as we age. Researchers at the University of Kansas Department of Physical Therapy examined the natural progression of thoracic kyphosis in healthy women. They found that kyphosis increases in females with age, particularly between 50 and 59 years of age. The researchers then established an exercise program for…
Thera-Band® exercise helps improve bone density and reduce falls in osteoporosis
about 1 year ago - 1 comment
It’s been well-established that exercise has numerous health benefits, yet it is only relatively recently that exercise has been shown safe and effective at improving health and quality of life in older adults. Recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine include strengthening exercises for older adults at…
about 10 months ago
Balance and proprioceptive exercise programs are so important in helping patients strengthen and stabilize their body, which reduces the amount of falls which can result in fractures and other injuries. I always guide patients in using balance balls and wobble board type equipment and thera-bands to help in this matter.