@article{ref1,
title="Efficacy of a short multidisciplinary falls prevention program for elderly persons with osteoporosis and a fall history: a randomized controlled trial",
journal="Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation",
year="2010",
author="Smulders, Ellen and Weerdesteyn, Vivian and Groen, Brenda E. and Duysens, Jacques and Eijsbouts, Agnes and Laan, Roland and Van Lankveld, Wim",
volume="91",
number="11",
pages="1705-1711",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the Nijmegen Falls Prevention Program (NFPP) for persons with osteoporosis and a fall history in a randomized controlled trial. Persons with osteoporosis are at risk for fall-related fractures because of decreased bone strength. A decrease in the number of falls therefore is expected to be particularly beneficial for these persons. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with osteoporosis and a fall history (N=96; mean ± SD age, 71.0±4.7y; 90 women). INTERVENTION: After baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to the exercise (n=50; participated in the NFPP for persons with osteoporosis [5.5wk]) or control group (n=46; usual care). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was fall rate, measured by using monthly fall calendars for 1 year. Secondary outcomes were balance confidence (Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale), quality of life (QOL; Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis), and activity level (LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire, pedometer), assessed posttreatment subsequent to the program and after 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: The fall rate in the exercise group was 39% lower than for the control group (.72 vs 1.18 falls/person-year; risk ratio, .61; 95% confidence interval, .40-.94). Balance confidence in the exercise group increased by 13.9% (P=.001). No group differences were observed in QOL and activity levels. CONCLUSION: The NFPP for persons with osteoporosis was effective in decreasing the number of falls and improving balance confidence. Therefore, it is a valuable new tool to improve mobility and independence of persons with osteoporosis.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-9993",
doi="10.1016/j.apmr.2010.08.004",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2010.08.004"
}