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Effect of low-intensity back exercise on quality of life and back extensor strength in patients with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

Summary

Randomized controlled study in 80 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was conducted to investigate the effect of a home-based, simple, low-intensity exercise. Low-intensity back-strengthening exercise was effective in improving the quality of life and back extensor strength.

Introduction and hypothesis

Back-strengthening exercise is effective in increasing back extensor strength and decreasing risk of vertebral fractures. We hypothesized that a home-based, simple, low-intensity exercise could enhance back extensor strength and improve the quality of life and/or spinal range of motion in postmenopausal women in a short-term follow-up.

Methods

Eighty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 38) or an exercise group (n = 42). Subjects were instructed to lift their upper trunk from a prone position antigravity and maintain the neutral position. Isometric back extensor strength, spinal range of motion, and scores for quality of life were evaluated at baseline and 4 months.

Results

Back extensor strength significantly increased both in the exercise group (26%) and in the control group (11%). Scores for quality of life increased in the exercise group (7%), whereas it remained unchanged in the control group (0%). There was a significant difference in quality of life score between the groups (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Low-intensity back-strengthening exercise was effective in improving the quality of life and back extensor strength in patients with osteoporosis.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Misato Kishida, Shizuka Kudo, Hiroyuki Watanabe, and Yusuke Takahashi for their assistance with data collection.

Funding

This study was supported in part by a grant from Japan Orthopaedics and Traumatology Foundation, Inc (No. 0160).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Neuro and Locomotor Science, Akita University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, 0108543, Japan

    M. Hongo, N. Miyakoshi, Y. Shimada, S. Maekawa & K. Okada

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan

    E. Itoi

  3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    M. Sinaki

  4. Jyoto Orthopedic Clinic, 6-7-6 Higashidori, Akita, 010-0003, Japan

    Y. Mizutani

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  1. M. Hongo
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  2. E. Itoi
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  3. M. Sinaki
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  4. N. Miyakoshi
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  6. S. Maekawa
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  7. K. Okada
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  8. Y. Mizutani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Itoi.

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Hongo, M., Itoi, E., Sinaki, M. et al. Effect of low-intensity back exercise on quality of life and back extensor strength in patients with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. Osteoporos Int 18, 1389–1395 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0398-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0398-9

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