Investigation of the Effects of Physical Activity in Women at Risk of Osteoporosis

Investigation of the Effects of Physical Activity on Physical Fitness Parameters, Functional Fitness Age and Quality of Life in Women at Risk of Osteoporosis

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of the increase in the physical activity level of women at risk for osteoporosis in the post-menopausal period on the physical fitness, functional fitness age and quality of life. The main question it aims to answer is:

• Does the increase in the level of physical activity positively affect the physical fitness parameters (strength, endurance, balance, agility and flexibility), functional fitness ages and quality of life of post-menopausal women with moderate to high osteoporosis risk?

Participants in the intervention group were given the Otago Exercise Program, which will last 3 days a week and an average of 30 minutes per day for 12 weeks. The exercises were done one-by-one with a physiotherapist. No program were applied to the participants in the control group, and they were asked to continue their daily living activities in the same way.

Researchers will compare two groups to see if there is a difference in effects of Otogo Exercise Program on physical fitness, functional fitness age, and quality of life.

The osteoporosis risks of the participants were calculated according to the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Women (OST). Women have medium and high risk were included in the study.

Otago Exercise Program includes strengthening exercises consisting of knee extension, knee flexion, hip abduction, ankle dorsi flexion, and 12 balance exercises consisting of plantar flexion and squatting, walking backward, walking and rolling back, sideways walking, tandem stance, tandem gait, standing on one leg, heels walking on toes, walking on tiptoe, sitting and standing, climbing and descending stairs, and backward tandem walking.

• In addition, moderate-intensity walking exercise for 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week, was recommended to the patients in experimental group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being at medium-high risk as a result of the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Women (OST)
• Being 54 years old and over
• Being in the post-menopausal period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a broken history
• Having a history of surgery in the last 1 year
• Having a cognitive or physical condition that will prevent them from exercising
• Exercising regularly for more than 30 minutes a day, at least 3 days a week