1. Background
fracture, skeletal disease, pain, fractures, osteoporosis
FRAGILITY FRACTURE, FRAGILITY, OSTEOPOROSIS, CHRONIC PAIN, OSTEOPOROSIS
Fragility fractures, in particular vertebral fractures, are associated with high morbidity, including chronic pain and reduced health-related quality of life. We aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of patient education, including interdisciplinary themes, with or without physical training or mindfulness/medical yoga for patients with established spinal osteoporosis in primary care. Osteoporotic persons aged sixty years or older with one or more vertebral fractures were randomized to theory only, theory and physical exercise, or theory and mindfulness/medical yoga and were scheduled to once a week for ten weeks. Participants were followed up by clinical tests and questionnaires. Twenty-one participants completed the interventions and the one-year follow-up. Adherence to interventions was 90%. Pooled data from all participants showed significant improvements after intervention on pain during the last week and worst pain, and reduced painkiller use (any painkillers at baseline 70% [opioids 25%] vs. post-intervention 52% [opioids 14%]). Significant improvements were seen regarding RAND-36 social function, Qualeffo-41 social function, balance, tandem walking backwards, and theoretical knowledge. These changes were maintained at the 1-year follow-up. Patient group education combined with supervised training seems to have positive effects on pain, and physical function in persons with established spinal osteoporosis. The improved quality of life was maintained at the 1-year follow-up.Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk [Osteoporosis schools, i.e., patient education with an interdisciplinary focus, are part of some health organizations. The schools’ content, both regarding theory parts and possible physical training, vary as well as the timeframe and different patient categories included with regard to fracture history [In the present study including patients with established spinal osteoporosis, we aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of interdisciplinary patient education with or without physical training or mindfulness and medical yoga on (1) chronic pain; (2) HRQoL; (3) physical strength and balance performance; (4) fall risk and physical activity; (5) theoretical knowledge; and (6) patient enablement.