Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Effects of a rehabilitation treatment including
kinesitherapy and hydrokinesitherapy: a
randomized controlled trial in patients with
postmenopausal osteoporosis
Masiero S (1) , Giannotti E (1) , Di Pede C (1) , Caldara F (2) , Frizziero A (1)
(1) Rehabilitation Unit. University of Padova. Italy
(2) Centro Studi Pietro D'Abano. Abano Terme.Padova. Italy
stef.masiero@unipd.it
Introduction and Objectives
Recent studies have shown that women with postmenopausal osteoporosis present
postural modifications associated with changes in balance, leading to increased
risk of falling. The aim of rehabilitation in these patients is to reduce fall risk and
prevent fall complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact on
posture and balance of an association of kinesitherapy and hydrokinesitherapy in a
spa centre, in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Materials and Methods
A group of 65 subjects with postmenopausal osteoporosis (mean age 63.1 years;
T-score < -2.5 measured by the Dexa technique), were randomized into 2 groups: an
experimental group (EG) with 32 subjects (mean age, 62.9±2.1) and a control group
(CG) with 33 subjects (mean age 63.9 ±1.5). The EG underwent rehabilitation
treatment including kinesitherapy and hydrokinesitherapy in a spa centre, while the
CG received no rehabilitation treatment. At baseline and after 12 months all subjects
were evaluated with a compass-needle pocket goniometer (IncliMed®) for
spinal mobility and a force platform balance, with eyes both open and shut.
Results
At baseline assessment no significant differences were found between the two
groups. At final assessment, after treatment, the women in the EG presented a
significant improvement in balance compared to those in the CG. In particular,
analysis with the force platform balance yielded a statistically significant decrease
(p