Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a personal training program and dietary assessment on quality of life in women with osteoporotic hip fractures. Fifty women with osteoporotic hip fractures, aged 57-89 years, were randomized in an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). The experimental group participated in a 12-week muscle strengthening training program. The controls were instructed to continue with their routine daily activities. Specific questionnaires (regarding osteoporosis and diet) were used to assess quality of life in both groups, before and after the intervention.
Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses. For descriptive analyses, mean values, standard deviations and occurrence frequencies were estimated and they are represented here. Our main investigational hypothesis was analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures.
Our results show that the muscle strengthening program benefited the experimental group of women with osteoporotic hip fracture and improved their quality of life. In conclusion, considering that women with osteoporotic fractures show a tendency for deterioration of their mobility and ambulatory ability starting form about the fourth decade of age, due to natural aging processes (decreased strength, endurance), and changes related to osteoporosis (fractures, reduced mobility, confidence, independence, social life, pain), participation in similar programs may considerably enhance them in their daily activities and prevent deterioration in body composition. Diet had a positive effect on these women using specific dietary instructions.
Key words: osteoporotic fractures, women, exercise, quality of life, diet, muscle strengthening program.