Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Training on Postural Stability and Chronic Pain in Older Women with Osteoporosis: A Six-Month Prospective Pilot Study.

Background

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease, characterized by decreased bone mineral density, which leads to increased bone fragility, back pain, impaired postural stability, and a heightened risk of fractures. Proprioceptive exercises have been identified as an effective approach for reducing the risk of falls and adverse events.

Objective

Our aim was to conduct a pilot exploratory study evaluating the effectiveness of proprioceptive training in improving coordination and balance, and in reducing chronic thoracolumbar back pain in older women diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Methods

Quantitative ultrasound bone densitometry was performed on 144 women over the age of 60, followed by the implementation of a proprioceptive training program. The One-Leg Stance balance test and the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity were administered before and after a six-month training intervention.

Results

ANOVA revealed significant improvements in balance, with the OLS duration increasing from 2.49 s at baseline to 7.31 s following the intervention. Participants aged over 70 years demonstrated a positive, though comparatively lower increase in stability and balance. Chi-squared (χ2) analysis indicated that 83.9% of the variance in OLS performance was attributable to proprioceptive training (Cramer's V = 0.839, p = 0.001). A significant reduction in VAS pain scores was observed, with 48.1% of the variance explained by the moderate effect of proprioceptive training (Cramer's V = 0.481, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Proprioceptive training has the potential to improve postural stability, balance, and coordination and stimulate pain intensity in the thoracolumbar region. Despite promising results, the absence of a control group limits our ability to draw definitive causal conclusions.