Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy fore Gynecology and Obstetrics

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of balance exercise program as a type of weight bearing exercises on bone mineral density in post menopausal women. Forty post menopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) were selected randomly from physical therapy department in Kasr El Ainy University Hospital in Cairo. Their ages ranged from 50 to 60 years old at least 5 years post menopause.Their body mass index (BMI) did not exceed 30kg/m2. All women should have bone mineral density of T- score -1.0 to -2.5 standard deviations (SDs) below the mean on the femoral neck.The study design was experimental design (two groups pre-test post-test design). All women were divided randomly into 2 equal groups (A&B); Control group (Group A): This group consisted of 20 post menopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD). Each woman in this group treated by medical treatment (Alendronate sodium, one tablet per week for 16 weeks). Study group (Group B): This group consisted of 20 post menopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD). Each woman in this group treated by medical treatment (Alendronate sodium, one tablet per week for 16 weeks) and performed balance exercise program for 60 minutes, 5 days per week for 16 weeks. Body mass index was measured by weight & height scale for each woman before the study. Bone mineral density was assessed by energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) on the femoral neck before and after the treatment for all women in both groups (A&B).The results showed that: There was a statistical significant increase in the mean values of T-score of the left femoral neck post-treatment in both groups A and B. Post-treatment there was a statistical significant difference between both groups (A & B) in the mean values of T-score of the left femoral neck where, the p-value was (<0.05) in favor of group B. Accordingly, it can be concluded that balance exercise is an effective method in improving bone mineral density in post menopausal osteoporotic women.

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