Personal estimation of physical fitness and activity of daily living. Improvement of functional capacity and reduction of pain in patients with osteoporosis after a sport rehabilitation training - a prospective study

Physical exercise influences bone turnover depending on the intensity and the kind of the training performed. The aim of the study was to determine functional capacity, activities of daily living (ADL) and pain score in patients with osteoporosis. Furthermore, we examined the effect of a special 4-week sport rehabilitation training (SpoRT) for osteoporosis on these parameter. 442 patients (374 women, mean age 53.7 +/- 6.3 years and 68 men, mean age 52.8 +/- 6.2 years) with osteoporosis (WHO-definition) and 283 patients (156 women mean age 49 +/- 9.2 years and 127 men, mean age 50.1 +/- 9.6 years) with osteoarthritis were included in the study. Functional capacity was tested by standarized ergometry before and after 4-week sport rehabilitation training (SpoRT). Although highly motivated to practice sport, only a few patients performed regular training. The mean time of ergonometry increased significantly from 8.3 +/- 1.9/min to 9.2 +/- 2.0/min (p < 0.01) after SpoRT. There was an increase of performed KJ from 190.6 +/- 63 to 225 +/- 73 KJ (p < 0.0001). Patients with osteoporosis regained their age-matched functinal capacity (norm values according to von Mellerowicz (6)), after SpoRT. Women with osteoarthritis had comparable increase of functional parameters starting at a higher level. The extent of physical complaints, (lower back pain, heavy legs) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) after SpoRT.