Empowering the fragile body: Experiences of a back muscle group training program in postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures. A qualitative interview study

Abstract

This study was undertaken to explore the experiences of a professionally supervised back muscle exercise group training program (BMTP) in women with osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures and increased thoracic kyphosis. Method: A qualitative interview study was carried out with 11 women, aged 60–93 years (median age 68 years), participating in the BMTP for 4 months. Analysis of the open interviews was supported by qualitative content analysis. Findings: Two categories and four sub-categories were constructed from the analysis: Awareness and experiences of the body through back muscle exercise (sub-categories; Sense and awareness of straightening the back and The usefulness of increased bodily strength and mobility) and Social dimensions of group training (sub-categories: Affinity and support and Sense of trust and safety). The women experienced both bodily and social benefits from participation in the BMTP, including improved mobility, increased strength, physical activity, better sleep, reduced pain and uncertainty as well as positive experiences of training in a group under professional supervision. Conclusion: The study showed that professionally supervised specific back exercise training brought benefits to everyday life, increased well-being and quality of life, and provided an empowering complement to pharmacological therapy in this group of women.

Key words::

• Exercise
• intervention
• kyphosis
• osteoporosis
• physical therapy
• qualitative research
• women

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the women who participated in this study. We also thank Catharina Sjöberg. The study received financial support from Sanofi-Aventis Sweden. There has been no conflict of interest relevant to the study or the content of this article. Use of photographs has been permitted by the women.