Postural control in elderly women with osteoporosis: comparison of balance, strengthening and stretching exercises. A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To compare the efficacy of balance training associated with muscle strengthening or stretching, relative to no intervention, in the postural control of elderly women with osteoporosis.Design:A randomized, controlled trial.Subjects and interventions:Sample consisted of 50 women aged 65 years or older, with osteoporosis, randomized into one of three groups: strengthening group (n = 17) performed balance training with muscle strengthening; stretching group (n = 17) performed balance training with stretching; and control group (n = 16), no activities. Interventions lasted eight weeks, twice a week, 60 minutes a day.Main measures:Postural control was evaluated by the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (CTSIBm) and Limits of Stability Test. Strength was assessed by dynamometry and the shortening of the hamstrings by goniometry.Results:Relative to controls, participants in the strengthening group displayed significantly increased dorsiflexion strength and knee flexion strength, a...