Comparison of a Weight Bearing and a Non-weight Bearing Protocol on Osteoporotic Women With Chronic Low Back Pain

Overview

The effect of exercising in different body positions on bone growth in osteoporotic women is known, but its effect on their function, low back pain, lumbar range of motion and quality of life remains unknown. Therefore, the investigators plan to make a comparison of the effect of a weight bearing protocol and a non-weight bearing protocol on osteoporotic women with chronic low back pain. 40 women with osteoporosis and low back pain will be divided into two groups. Each group will be given a specific exercise protocol, twice a week for four weeks, 45 minutes each time. The participants will be tested before starting the program, immediately after finishing it and again two months later. The tests will include filling out the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, the SF-36 quality of life Questionnaire, pain measurement by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and lumbar range of motion measurement by a digital Inclinometer. Statistical analysis will be made in order to compare the dependent variables between groups.

40 women with osteoporosis and low back pain will be recruited by referral of doctors to the physical therapy clinic in Bat-Yam, Israel. Each woman will be tested by one investigator after meeting the criteria of eligibility and after obtaining formed consent . The tests will include filling out the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, the SF-36 quality of life Questionnaire, pain measurement by VAS and lumbar range of motion measurement by a digital Inclinometer. By order of appearance, each participant will be assigned to one of two groups - weight bearing group or non-weight bearing group. After recruiting at least 3 participants in each group, a different investigator will begin a specific exercise protocol for each of the groups for four weeks - twice a week, 45 minutes each time, a total of 8 sessions. After each participant finishes all 8 sessions, she will be tested for the second time by the first investigator, the same tests as the first time. A third identical test will be preformed two months after finishing the program. After all the participants finish the program statistical analysis will be made in order to compare the dependent variables between groups.