The effect of proprioception exercises on fall risk among osteomalacia patients

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate the fall risk in patients with osteomalacia and to investigate the effectiveness of proprioception exercises on fall risks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy two osteomalacia patients with serum 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/ml were included in this study. Patients' age, gender, body mass index, occupational and educational status were recorded. Serum 25(OH)D, PTH and calcium concentrations were analized at the beginning and in the end of the study. Fall risk which was assessed by "Fall Risk Assesment Device" (Tetrax) and "Timed Up and Go" (TUG) tests were administered for each patient. Activity of daily living and quality of life were asessed by using HAQ and SF-36 questionnaire. All subjects were choosen by randomising into two groups as exercise group and group who have sham exercise. Vitamin D supplementation were given both groups as a same dosage. Although only sham exercise were administered to the control group, proprioception exercise protocol were applied to the exercise group. Ten days all patients performed their exercises under supervision of physiotherapist. After that the exercises has administered as a home exercise program for three months. Patient visits were performed weekly by phone to control the procedure. RESULTS: After treatment session the average of fall risk assessment, TUG time, hip and widespread body pain were found as significantly decreased in exercise group. After administration of SF-36 and HAQ to all patients the results shows as that patients have taken significantly more benefit from proprioception exercises. CONCLUSION: In conclusion this study proved us that proprioception exercises provide additional benefit to osteomalacia patients by decreasing fall risk, improving balance and coordination when compared to conventional therapy without exercise. Therefore, proprioception exercises have to recommend to all osteomalacia patients who undergone conventional treatment. KEY WORDS: Osteomalacia, proprioception, fall risk