Abstract des Autors

Osteoporosis research has emphasized the importance of physical exercise in prevention and rehabilitation. However, ambulatory registration of patients' activity in every-day life has rarely been used. Size reduction and computer technology have made it feasible to monitor limb activity for hours or days. In this study, we tried to find out whether pain intensity and emotional wellbeing can predict physical activity in osteoporosis patients at home. 20 patients with osteoporosis (aged 50 to 70 years, members of self help groups) participated in this study. For three consecutive days activity of the dominant arm during waking period was recorded using the actometer (Fa. Zak, FRG). Furthermore, patients were asked to rate pain intensity and emotional wellbeing in a diary. Typical daily variations of physical activity could be demonstrated. High pain intensity and high anger ratings enhanced physical activity, while relaxation and tiredness had contrary effects (partial correlation). Ambulatory registration of physical activity in every-day life permits the identification of individual factors associated with physical activity which may be helpful for a patient-specific adaptation of sports programmes. Verf.-Referat