Resumen de Effect of balance exercise on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Samah M. Samy, Mohannad A Awad, Amir A. Gabr, Asmaa M. Elbandrawy

• Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a balance exercise program on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.

  Methods: A total of 40 postmenopausal women with low BMD were selected randomly from the Physical Therapy Department of Qasr El Eyni Hospital in Cairo (Egypt). Participants were divided randomly into 2 equal groups (A & B) of 20 participants. The control group (Group A) received medical treatment (Fosamax, one tablet per week during 16 weeks). The experimental group (Group B) received the same medical treatment as group A and the balance exercise program (sessions of 60 minutes, 5 days per week, during 16 weeks). BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) on the femoral neck before and after the interventions for all participants in both groups (A & B).

  Findings: After the 16 weeks, there was a statistical significant increase in the mean value of BMD in both groups. However, the increase was significantly higher (p=0.001) in Group B. The percentage of increase in BMD was 24.40% in Group A and 80.61% in Group B.

  Conclusions: Balance exercise might be an effective method for improving BMD in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.