AN EXERCISE AND EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

• Published in: Physical therapy 2000-05, Vol.80 (5), p.S49
• Main Authors: Lein, D, Peel, C, Kitchin, E, Morgan, S, Saag, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Exercise therapy; Methods; Osteoporosis; Patient education
• ISSN: 0031-9023

PURPOSE: The purpose of this presentation is to describe our multidisciplinary education and exercise program for persons with osteoporosis. The program emphasizes nutrition and movement reeducation using a neutral spine posture. DESCRIPTION: The program consists of eight 90 minute sessions that occur over a four week period. We have offered the program three times with a total of 22 participants. The participants have ranged in age from 50 to 76 years and have a diagnosis of osteoporosis, osteopenia or are at high risk for the development of osteoporosis. Prior to entry in the program, participants must have a DEXA scan and a consent to participate from their primary care physician. At the initial session, balance and strength are assessed using the Functional Reach Test, Romberg Test and hand-held dynamometry. Each session begins with a 15 minute discussion of a topic related to nutrition and medical management of osteoporosis. Examples of topics include dietary sources of calcium, factors that affect the absorption of calcium, interpretation of DEXA scans and medications used to treat osteoporosis. Participants then warm up by performing low intensity exercises to improve balance, strength and flexibility. The following 30 minutes is devoted to teaching and practicing movement patterns using a neutral spine posture. Participants progress from learning how to assume a neutral spine while sitting to being able to perform house and yard work while maintaining a neutral spine. The final 20 minutes is devoted to strengthening, balance and flexibility exercises. The overall goal of the program is to facilitate lifestyle changes that contribute to fracture prevention and maintenance of bone density. OBSERVATIONS: Participants have demonstrated improvements in balance as demonstrated by improvements in Functional Reach and the Romberg Test with eyes closed. Improvements in strength have been documented in the motions of hip abduction and scapular adduction. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is a major health problem that currently affects many older adults, and is projected to affect even more individuals as the population of the United States ages. Our project demonstrates a multidisciplinary community-based program for the prevention of fracture, deformity and functional decline that often occur as a result of osteoporosis.