Abstract

Fifty-nine women with postmenopausal spinal osteoporosis and back pain were instructed in a treatment program that included extension exercise (E) for 25 patients, flexion exercise (F) for 9, combined (E + F) exercises for 19, or no therapeutic exercises (N) for 6. Ages ranged from 49 to 60 years (mean, 56 years). Follow-up ranged from one to six years (means for the groups, 1.4 to 2 years). All patients had spine x-ray studies before treatment and at follow up, at which time any further wedging and compression fractures were recorded. Additional fractures occurred as follows: group E, 16; F, 89; E+F, 53; and N, 67. In comparison with group E, the occurrence of wedging or compression fractures was significantly higher in group F and group E + F. This study suggests that a significantly higher number of vertebral compression fractures occur in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis who followed a flexion exercise program compared with those using extension exercises. Extension or isometric exercises seem to be more appropriate for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Verf.-Referat