Abstract

Objective: To determine the importance of physical activity in the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture and to examine the impact of exercise frequency on osteoporotic fracture among a national sample of women aged 50 years and older. Design and Setting: This study involved female participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHSANES III), Phase 1. Subjects: The sample consisted of 2,325 women aged 50 years and older who were interviewed for Phase 1 of NHANES III. Measurements: Predictor variables that were examined in this study included heredity, age, race, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dairy product intake. Multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Race, age, body mass index, and inactivity were significant risk factors predicting the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture. Conclusions: Athletic trainers in clinical settings are in an ideal position to educate female patients about risk factors for osteoporotic fracture. The clinical athletic trainer may incorporate balance training, generalized strengthening, and other fall-prevention activities into rehabilitation programs in order to help prevent osteoporotic injuries. Verf.-Referat