EFFECTS OF EXERCISE TRAINING ON PAIN, SPINAL MOBILITY, LORDOSIS AND KYPHOSIS ANGLE IN OSTEOPOROSIS: A PILOT STUDY

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of group exercises on severity of pain, spinal mobility, angles of lordosis and kyphosis and muscle strength in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Materials and Method: This study was conducted on 31 postmenopausal osteoporotic women, aged between 48-67 years. Sixteen women were taken as the exercise group and 15 women as the control group. Bone Mineral Density (DEXA-T value), pain severity (VAS) and site, spinal mobility, lumbar lordosis and thoracal kyphosis angles (flexi-ruler) and muscle strength of M. Rectus abdominis and back extensors were evaluated. Group exercise program was performed by the supervision of a physiotherapist 3 times a week for 21 weeks. All of the evaluations were performed before and after the exercise program. Results: An increase in T-Scores, muscle strength and spinal mobility values, and a decrease in lumbar lordosis-thoracal kyphosis angles and pain levels were observed in the exercise group (p<0.05). T-Scores and thorocal kyphosis angles increased in the control group (p<0.05). Significant improvements were found in all parameters in the exercise group compared with the control group (p<0.05). Percentage of pain values decreased at all sites in the exercise group. Conclusion: Exercise training seems to be beneficial in reducing pain, enhancing spinal mobility, muscle strength and providing a better postural alignment in osteoporotic women.