Long-term effects of back extensor strengthening exercises on quality of life in women with osteoporosis

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effect of back extensor strengthening exercises on health-related quality of life (QOL) in women with osteoporosis. In this randomized clinical trial, 183 women with osteoporosis were treated with pharmacotherapy and weight-bearing and balance-training exercises. The case group additionally performed back extensor exercises at home. Patients filled out the Persian version of the Short Form (SF-36) QOL questionnaire at baseline and 6 months post treatment. At the end, all physical and mental parameters of the SF-36 questionnaire improved significantly in the case group, except for one subscale of mental health, compared to the control group. In the control group, only some physical health dimensions (bodily pain, role limitation, physical function, vitality), and mental health status as a mental health subscale improved. In conclusion, considering a major impact of back extensor exercises on improving QOL in women with osteoporosis over the long term, these exercises should be prescribed in routine management of these patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Back extensor strengthening
• osteoporosis
• women

Acknowledgements

We appreciate Mrs. Safura Pournajaf and Mrs. Mehrnaz Mehrabi, assistant researcher at Clinical Research and Development Center of Shahid Modarres Hospital, for their valuable help in preparing this article.