Effects of exercise and nutrition on postural balance and risk of falling in elderly people with decreased bone mineral density: randomized controlled trial pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of calcium/vitamin D supplements with a combination of calcium/vitamin D supplements and exercise/protein on risk of falling and postural balance.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

University hospital physiotherapy department.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-four independently living elderly females aged 65 years and older with osteopenia or osteoporosis and mean total hip T-score (SD) of -1.8 (0.8).

INTERVENTIONS

A three-month programme consisting of exercise/protein including training of muscular strength, co-ordination, balance and endurance. Calcium/ vitamin D was supplemented in all participants for a 12-month period.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Assessment took place prior to and following the months 3, 6, 9 and at the end of the study; primary dependent variables assessed were risk of falling (Berg Balance Test) and postural balance (forceplate). Secondary measures included body composition, strength, activity level, number of falls, bone mineral content, biochemical indices, nutritional status and general health.

RESULTS

Significant reductions of risk of falling (repeated measures ANOVA F = 8.90, P = 0.008), an increase in muscular strength (ANOVA F = 3.0, P = 0.03), and an increase in activity level (ANOVA F = 3.38, P = 0.02) were found in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Further on, there was 89% reduction of falls reported in the experimental group (experimental pre/post 8/1 falls; control group pre/post 5/6 falls).

CONCLUSION

This study provides support for our intervention programme aimed at reducing the risk of falling in elderly participants diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The data obtained from the pilot study allow the calculation of the actual sample size needed for a larger randomized trial.