The Effect of Physical Activity on Physical Function, Falls and Bone Geometry - a Randomized Control Trial in Women With Manifest Osteoporosis

Objectives: To investigate if a physical activity intervention (one year) can reduce the risk of falls (primary endpoint), improve physical function (balance and muscle strength) and cortical bone geometry as well as trabecular microarchitecture (secondary endpoints) in women, 70-80 years old, with manifest osteoporosis, treated with zoledronic acid, calcium and vitamin D.

Strategic goal: To include 200 patients (100 intervention and 100 controls) during 2010 and 2011 and randomize 100 patients to a one year physical activity intervention (3 hours weekly). The results will be published in an international scientific peer-review journal. All patients will receive standard medical treatment with calcium, vitamin D and yearly zoledronic acid.

Study rationale: The role of physical activity intervention has not previously been evaluated in patients with manifest osteoporosis and zoledronic acid treatment.

Methodology: Randomized controlled trial. All included patients (women 70-80 years of age) will have manifest osteoporosis, be treatment naïve, and will be treated on clinical indication with yearly infusions of zoledronic acid (approved treatment, for this patient category, by the Swedish Medical Products Agency). Patients with secondary osteoporosis, with disabilities, and with high levels of exercise at the baseline visit will be excluded. Intention to treat analysis will be used. Physical activity intervention includes 3 hours of weight bearing aerobic exercise per week, using a standardized program. Patients in both groups will be contacted monthly and asked about their exercise habits. Frequency of falls, physical activity level will be ascertained using questionnaires. Balance and muscle strength will be assessed using standardized tests. Bone geometry at the tibia diaphysis will be determined using an XCT2000 pQCT device (Stratec, Germany) and trabecular microarchitecture at the tibia metaphysis will be determined using an XtremeCT device (Scanco Medical AG, Switzerland). These examinations will be performed on all patients prior to the intervention and after the completion of the study.