Effect of Resistance Exercises on Function in Older Adults with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia: A Systematic Review

Purpose: To examine the effect of resistance exercises on self-reported physical function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Methods: A search of available literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Studies were included if they involved (1) randomized controlled trials; (2) participants with osteoporosis or osteopenia; (3) resistance exercise as an intervention; and (4) self-report of physical function or ADL. Articles were independently reviewed for quality by two authors using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Cohen's d effect size was calculated by dividing standardized mean differences by the standard deviation to determine treatment effect in terms of physical function or ADL. Results: Five full-text articles were selected for inclusion. PEDro scores ranged from 5 to 7 (out of 10). Effect size mean differences as a result of resistance intervention ranged from 0.08 to 1.74, suggesting "trivial" to "large" effects on self-reported physical function and ADL. Conclusion: Results suggest that interventions using resistance training have a beneficial impact on the domains of physical function and ADL in participants with osteoporosis or osteopenia. More high-quality studies are needed to lend further validity to this supposition.