Journal of Osteoporosis and Physical Activity
Open Access

Abstract

Education and Physical Activity in Osteoporosis

Pérola Grinberg Plapler, Thais Rodrigues Pato Saron and Márcia Uchoa De Rezende

Background: Brazil´s life expectancy is increasing as is the incidence of osteoporosis. As we have a fair number of illiterates in the country, we created a basic educational program for patients with osteoporosis.

Methods: In a retrospective study, 49 patients (average age of 66.6 years) who participated in the program were asked to answer the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire (OPAQ) at baseline and at the reassessment (average of 23.4 months, range 6 to 46 months). At the reassessment, patients were also asked to answer questions on their current medication, physical activity, existence and location of pain and number of falls and fractures before and after the educational program.

Results: The results showed that 80% were taking the correct medications for osteoporosis, 48% of the pain was back pain, falls improved from 62% to 20% after the intervention and only one patient (2%) had a fracture after the program. Only 22% did not engage in physical activity regularly. The program improved mobility (p<0.0001), back pain (p<0.001), social life (p<0.0001), pain (p<0.0001), quantity and quality of sleep (p<0.0001), work capacity (p=0.0005) and humor (p=0.026) but it did not significantly improve self-management and independence.

Conclusions: The educational program reduced falls, increased physical activity, improved adherence to drug treatment and increased the general quality of life in osteoporotic patients.