Evaluating the effect of physiotherapy group education on quality of life, physical performance and back muscle strength among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. .

An experienced (15 years) physiotherapist was conducted group education and exercises for a group of 15 participants. One hour of physiotherapeutic group education regarding of facts about osteoporosis,falls prevention and home exercise program which included demonstration and a trial of the exercises prescribed. A booklet name “Guidelines for exercises and physical activity for adults at risk of osteoporosis” is designed specifically for this study. This booklet was provided as a reference for the participants to continue their home exercise program. Example of home exercises prescribed. Warming exercise Shoulder rotate backwards for 2-5 minutes Marching in place for 2-5 minutes Stretching exercise Shoulder stretch: bring one arm back over the spine while using the other arm to stretch backwards gradually., Hold for 10 seconds. Calf stretching: standing place one foot forward: bend the front leg and keep the back leg flat on the floor, pointing forward. Hold for 10 seconds. Resistance training with weight (1/2-4kg, dumbbell or sandbag for leg or theraband) Overhead shoulder lift: Sitting, hold a dumbbell (1/2- 4 kg) in each hand at shoulder level. Lift the dumbbells overhead (upward) by extending the arms. Lower the dumbbells with flex the arm back to initial position. Lower limbs: Sitting, strapped one leg with theraband or weight (1/2-4 kg) around the ankle. Straighten the knee and hold for 10 seconds, then return to original position. Repeat with the other leg Balance exercises Tandem standing with hold onto the chair, hold for 10 seconds, repeat with the other leg Single leg standing with hold onto the chair hold for 10 seconds, repeat with another leg Postural correction and flexibility exercises ‘Chin Tuck in’ in sitting, hold for 10 seconds. Backward stretch: sitting raise both arms to side with elbow, hold for 10 seconds at should level 8-week home exercise program with the mode of administration, 30 minutes of exercise session consisted of a 5 minute of warm-up, 20 minutes of back strengthening, balance, and postural corrections, and 5 minutes of cool down exercise. The exercises designed is based on frequency, intensity, time and type (F.I.T.T. Principle) Frequency: 3 times /week. Intensity: 5-8 repetitions, 3 sets for each exercise. Time :30-60 minutes /day The exercises were progressed by increasing the number of repetitions and sets with gradually increased resistance. Target intensity of exercises is at participants discretion. Participants were required to record the exercises performed in an exercise diary that was provided. Participants were contacted every two weeks to review compliance and advice were provided if participants had any concerns.