Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures and Exercise

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are associated with increased morbidity (eg, pain, poor quality of life) and mortality. Therapeutic exercise is a conservative non-pharmacological treatment that is often recommended for patients with vertebral fractures to reduce pain and restore functional movement. There are preliminary studies showing that exercise may have an important role in improving quality of life and reducing the risk of re-fracture in these individuals. There are several reports of pain relief after short-term (6-10 weeks) exercise programs in people with spinal fractures, suggesting that there is uncertainty in the effects reported after longer-term (12-24 weeks) exercise. Data are scarce and there are only four studies examining this question, and one is a multi-component physical therapy intervention that includes exercise. Not all studies have examined individuals with severe pain at baseline. The quality assessment of the evidence for the effects of exercise on pain is very low. There is insufficient evidence in the literature to determine the effects of exercise on osteoporotic fractures and their side effects. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 12-week resistance and balance exercises in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.The group of patients who will exercise will be compared with individuals who do not receive any treatment or exercise. It is aimed to reveal the effects of exercise on pain, physical performance, quality of life, depression, loss of function, kinesiophobia and sleep quality.