Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Biomechanics

Background: Exercise is widely recommended to preserve bone health and muscles strength and reduce risk of falls by maintaining postural balance. Purpose: The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of Weight-bearing Exercise for Better Balance program on the isokinetic strength of hip and knee muscles, body balance, and bone mineral density in osteopenia. Methods: Twenty-four postmenopausal females with osteopenia volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided into two equal groups of 12; experimental and control. The biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer was used for collecting the peak torques per body weight ratios of hip flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors and knee flexors and extensors in a concentric mode of muscle contraction at an angular velocity of 60{u00B0}/sec. The body balance was assessed using the berg balance Scale. Additionally, the bone mineral density T-scores were measured using the Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry. All measures were done for all participants of both groups before and after six weeks of the program. Results: Statistical analysis using 2x2 mixed design MANOVA revealed that there was a significant increase in the post testing mean values of isokinetic peak torques per body weight ratios of hip flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, knee flexors, and extensors and Berg Balance Scale balance scores compared with the pre testing ones in the experimental group p<0.05

Issued also as CD