Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Training on Postural Stability and Chronic Pain in Older Women with Osteoporosis: A Six-Month Prospective Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: Background: Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease, characterized by decreased bone mineral density, which leads to increased bone fragility, back pain, impaired postural stability, and a heightened risk of fractures. Proprioceptive exercises have been identified as an effective approach for reducing the risk of falls and adverse events. Objective: Our aim was to conduct a pilot exploratory study evaluating the effectiveness of proprioceptive training in improving coordination and balance, and in reducing chronic thoracolumbar back pain in older women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Methods: Quantitative ultrasound bone densitometry was performed on 144 women over the age of 60, followed by the implementation of a proprioceptive training program. The One-Leg Stance balance test and the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity were administered before and after a six-month training intervention. Results: ANOVA revealed significant improvements in balance, with the OLS duration increasing from 2.49 s at baseline to 7.31 s following the intervention. Participants aged over 70 years demonstrated a positive, though comparatively lower increase in stability and balance. Chi-squared (χ2) analysis indicated that 83.9% of the variance in OLS performance was attributable to proprioceptive training (Cramer's V = 0.839, p = 0.001). A significant reduction in VAS pain scores was observed, with 48.1% of the variance explained by the moderate effect of proprioceptive training (Cramer's V = 0.481, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Proprioceptive training has the potential to improve postural stability, balance, and coordination and stimulate pain intensity in the thoracolumbar region. Despite promising results, the absence of a control group limits our ability to draw definitive causal conclusions.

SUBMITTER: Mollova K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12371942 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature