Prioritizing a research agenda on built environments and physical activity: a twin panel Delphi consensus process with researchers and knowledge users.

BACKGROUND: The growth of urban dwelling populations globally has led to rapid increases of research and policy initiatives addressing associations between the built environment and physical activity (PA). Given this rapid proliferation, it is important to identify priority areas and research questions for moving the field forward. The objective of this study was to identify and compare research priorities on the built environment and PA among researchers and knowledge users (e.g., policy makers, practitioners). METHODS: Between September 2022 and April 2023, a three-round, modified Delphi survey was conducted among two independent panels of international researchers (n = 38) and knowledge users (n = 23) to identify similarities and differences in perceived research priorities on the built environment and PA and generate twin 'top 10' lists of the most important research needs. RESULTS: From a broad range of self-identified issues, both panels ranked in common the most pressing research priorities including stronger study designs such as natural experiments, research that examines inequalities and inequities, establishing the cost effectiveness of interventions, safety and injuries related to engagement in active transportation (AT), and considerations for climate change and climate adaptation. Additional priorities identified by researchers included: implementation science, research that incorporates Indigenous perspectives, land-use policies, built environments that support active aging, and participatory research. Additional priorities identified by knowledge users included: built environments and PA among people living with disabilities and a need for national data on trip chaining, multi-modal travel, and non-work or school-related AT. CONCLUSIONS: Five common research priorities between the two groups emerged, including (1) to better understand causality, (2) interactions with the natural environment, (3) economic evaluations, (4) social disparities, and (5) preventable AT-related injuries. The findings may help set directions for future research, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations, and funding opportunities.

The dementia-inclusive choices in exercise project: Using participatory action research to improve physical activity supports for persons with dementia.

Persons with dementia have the right to equal inclusion in rehabilitation, including physical activity. However, the perspectives of persons with dementia are rarely integrated into decision-making related to physical activity programming, services, and supports. Here, we describe the participatory action research (PAR) approach used to develop the Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit, which aims to increase the quality and number of physical activity opportunities available to persons with dementia. The DICE Research Team included persons with dementia, a family care partner, exercise professionals, community and dementia service providers, health care professionals, and researchers who worked to: 1) Engage/maintain the Research Team; 2) Set/navigate ways of engagement; 3) Understand barriers to physical activity; 4) Prioritize the audience and actions; 5) Develop the toolkit; 6) Conduct usability testing; and 7) Implement and evaluate. Guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel, and informed by interviews, focus groups, and existing research, our PAR Team chose to prioritize training exercise providers; exercise providers can enable exercise for persons with dementia if they understand common changes with dementia and how to support persons with dementia in exercise. The content and format of the toolkit was co-developed: drafted by our Research Team, adapted through a stakeholder workshop, and refined through iterative development and usability testing. The product of our PAR process, the DICE toolkit, includes videos meant to destigmatize dementia, training modules and a training manual for exercise providers, a physical activity handout for persons with dementia, and wallet cards to help persons with dementia communicate their abilities, needs, and preferences. Our usability study indicated that the toolkit could be used by exercise providers and may improve attitudes about dementia. Our vision is that our co-developed DICE toolkit will empower exercise providers to improve physical activity opportunities and support for persons with dementia.

Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity for Your Bones: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effect of twice-weekly, moderate-to-high intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) for 1 year on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with low BMD, compared to attention control. Secondary analyses will examine if resistance training improves other health outcomes; if high intensity is more effective than moderate intensity resistance training for all outcomes; the cost of intervention versus benefit; the willingness to pay; and harms. METHODS: For this study, 324 men or postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with a femoral neck, total hip, or lumbar spine BMD T-score of ≤-1, or a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool probability of ≥20% for major osteoporotic fracture or ≥ 3% for hip fracture are being recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial with 1:1:1 randomization. Participants will be stratified by site (3 centers) to twice-weekly, supervised PRT at moderate intensity (about 10 repetitions maximum), to high intensity PRT (≤6 repetitions maximum), or to a home posture and balance exercise program (attention control) for 1 year (resistance training to comparator allocation ratio of 2:1). The primary outcome is lumbar spine BMD via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes include trabecular bone score, proximal femur and total hip BMD and structure, bone-free and appendicular lean mass, physical functioning, falls, fractures, glucose metabolism, cost per life-year gained, adverse events, and quality of life. Between-group differences will be tested in intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses using analysis of covariance, chi-square tests, or negative binomial or logistic regression, adjusting for site and baseline values. IMPACT: The Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity For Your Bones trial will support decision making on resistance training for people at risk of fracture.

Development, Acceptability, and Usability of a Virtual Intervention for Vertebral Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to develop a virtual intervention for vertebral fractures (VIVA) to implement the international recommendations for the nonpharmacological management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and to test its acceptability and usability. METHODS: VIVA was developed in accordance with integrated knowledge translation principles and was informed by the Behavioral Change Wheel, the Theoretical Domains Framework, and the affordability, practicability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, acceptability, side effects/safety, and equity (APEASE) criteria. The development of the prototype of VIVA involved 3 steps: understanding target behaviors, identifying intervention options, and identifying content and implementation options. The VIVA prototype was delivered to 9 participants to assess its acceptability and usability. RESULTS: VIVA includes 7 1-on-1 virtual sessions delivered by a physical therapist over 5 weeks. Each session lasts 45 minutes and is divided in 3 parts: education, training, and behavioral support/goal setting. Four main themes emerged from the acceptability evaluation: perceived improvements in pain, increased self-confidence, satisfaction with 1-on-1 sessions and resources, and ease of use. All of the participants believed that VIVA was very useful and were very satisfied with the 1-on-1 sessions. Four participants found the information received very easy to practice, 4 found it easy to practice, and 1 found it somewhat difficult to practice. Five participants were satisfied with the supporting resources, and 4 were very satisfied. Potential for statistically significant improvements was observed in participants' ability to make concrete plans about when, how, where, and how often to exercise. CONCLUSION: VIVA was acceptable and usable to the participants, who perceived improvements in pain and self-confidence. IMPACT: The virtual implementation of the recommendations for the nonpharmacological management of vertebral fractures showed high acceptability and usability. Future trials will implement the recommendations on a larger scale to evaluate their effectiveness.

Strength-training and balance activities in Canada: historical trends and current prevalence. / Activités de musculation et d'amélioration de l'équilibre au Canada : historique des tendances et prévalence actuelle.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle-strengthening and balance activities are associated with the prevention of illness and injury. Age-specific Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines include recommendations for muscle/bone-strengthening and balance activities. From 2000-2014, the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) included a module that assessed frequency in 22 physical activities. In 2020, a healthy living rapid response module (HLV-RR) on the CCHS asked new questions on the frequency of muscle/bonestrengthening and balance activities. The objectives of the study were to (1) estimate and characterize adherence to meeting the muscle/bone-strengthening and balance recommendations; (2) examine associations between muscle/bone-strengthening and balance activities with physical and mental health; and (3) examine trends (2000-2014) in adherence to recommendations. METHODS: Using data from the 2020 CCHS HLV-RR, we estimated age-specific prevalence of meeting recommendations. Multivariate logistic regressions examined associations with physical and mental health. Using data from the 2000-2014 CCHS, sex-specific temporal trends in recommendation adherence were explored using logistic regression. RESULTS: Youth aged 12 to 17 years (56.6%, 95% CI: 52.4-60.8) and adults aged 18 to 64 years (54.9%, 95% CI: 53.1-56.8) had significantly greater adherence to the muscle/ bone-strengthening recommendation than adults aged 65 years and older (41.7%, 95% CI: 38.9-44.5). Only 16% of older adults met the balance recommendation. Meeting the recommendations was associated with better physical and mental health. The proportion of Canadians who met the recommendations increased between 2000 and 2014. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of Canadians met their age-specific muscle/bonestrengthening recommendations. Reporting on the muscle/bone-strengthening and balance recommendations elevates their importance alongside the already recognized aerobic recommendation.

Bracing and taping interventions for individuals with vertebral fragility fractures: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials with GRADE assessment.

This systematic review analyzes the effects of bracing and taping after osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Spinal orthose may have positive effects on pain, but the evidence is of very low certainty. Clinical judgment is recommended when prescribing spinal orthoses. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of bracing and taping interventions on pain, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, back extensor strength, kyphosis curvature, and adverse events in individuals with vertebral fragility fractures. METHODS: Four databases were searched from inception up to January 2022. We included randomized controlled trials testing the effect of bracing or taping interventions compared with a non-intervention control in adults ≥ 45 years with vertebral fragility fractures. Narrative syntheses were presented for all the outcomes. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: Three studies were included. Soft bracing interventions exhibited inconsistent effects on pain. One study showed no difference between groups, and another study should a decrease in pain in the soft bracing group compared to the control group. Rigid bracing interventions did not have a significant change in pain between the control and intervention groups. One study demonstrated a decrease in pain at rest (VAS: - 10.8 ± 19.3) and during movement (VAS: - 20.9 ± 29.8) after a taping intervention. The other outcomes were not consistent across studies. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal orthoses may improve pain in people with vertebral fractures; however, we cannot draw definitive conclusions on the efficacy or harms of bracing or taping due to the very low certainty evidence and the small number of studies. Effects on other outcomes are uncertain.

Exploring participants' perspectives on adverse events due to resistance training: a qualitative study.

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of individuals with chronic health conditions who had an adverse event (AE) as a result of resistance training (RT). We conducted web conference or telephone-based one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 12 participants with chronic health conditions who had an AE as a result of RT. Interview data were analyzed using the thematic framework method. Six themes were identified: (1) personal experiences with aging influence perceptions of RT; (2) physical and emotional consequences of AEs limit activities and define future RT participation; (3) injury recovery defines the severity of AE; (4) health conditions influence the perceived risks and benefits of participating in RT; (5) RT setting and trained supervision influence exercise behaviors and risk perceptions; and (6) experiencing a previous AE influences future exercise behavior. Despite participant awareness of the value and benefits of RT in both the context of aging and chronic health conditions, there is concern about experiencing exercise-related AEs. The perceived risks of RT influenced the participants' decision to engage or return to RT. Consequently, to promote RT participation, the risks, not just the benefits, should be properly reported in future studies, translated, and disseminated to the public. Novelty: -To increase the quality of published research with respect to AE reporting in RT studies. -Health care providers and people with common health conditions will be able to make evidence-based decisions as to whether the benefits of RT truly outweigh the risks.

Developing the Patient Falls Risk Report: A Mixed-Methods Study on Sharing Falls-Related Clinical Information from Home Care with Primary Care Providers.

If interRAI home care information were shared with primary care providers, care provision and integration could be enhanced. The objective of this study was to co-develop an interRAI-based clinical information sharing tool (i.e., the Patient Falls Risk Report) with a sample of primary care providers. This mixed-methods study employed semi-structured interviews to inform the development of the Patient Falls Risk Report and online surveys based on the System Usability Scale instrument to test its usability. Most of the interview sample (n = 9) believed that the report could support patient care by sharing relevant and actionable falls-related information. However, criticisms were identified, including insufficient detail, clarity, and support for shared care planning. After incorporating suggestions for improvement, the survey sample (n = 27) determined that the report had excellent usability with an overall usability score of 83.4 (95% CI = 78.7-88.2). By prioritizing the needs of end-users, sustainable interRAI interventions can be developed to support primary care.

The use of alkaline phosphatase as a bone turnover marker after spinal cord injury: A scoping review of human and animal studies.

BACKGROUND: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is measured as an indicator of bone or liver disease. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) is an isoform of ALP found in the bone tissue which can predict fractures and heterotopic ossification. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review was to explore the current use of ALP and B-ALP in studies using humans or animal models of SCI, and to identify ways to advance future research using ALP and B-ALP as a bone marker after SCI. RESULTS: HUMAN STUDIES: 42 studies were included. The evidence regarding changes or differences in ALP levels in individuals with SCI compared to controls is conflicting. For example, a negative correlation between B-ALP and total femur BMD was observed in only one of three studies examining the association. B-ALP seemed to increase after administration of teriparatide, and to decrease after treatment with denosumab. The effects of exercise on ALP and B-ALP levels are heterogeneous and depend on the type of exercise performed. ANIMAL STUDIES: 11 studies were included. There is uncertainty regarding the response of ALP or B-ALP levels after SCI; levels increased after some interventions, including vibration protocols, curcumin supplementation, cycles in electromagnetic field or hyperbaric chamber. Calcitonin or bisphosphonate administration did not affect ALP levels. CONCLUSION: Researchers are encouraged to measure the bone-specific isoform of ALP rather than total ALP in future studies in humans of animal models of SCI.

Using Risk Scores to Estimate Lower Extremity Fragility Fracture Risk among Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Preliminary Model.

Objectives: To develop SCI-FX, a risk score to estimate 5-year lower extremity fragility fracture risk among patients living with chronic spinal cord injury (cSCI). Methods: Adults with traumatic cSCI (n = 90) participated in a 2-year prospective longitudinal cohort study describing bone mineral density (BMD) change and fracture incidence conducted at the Lyndhurst Centre (University Health Network), University of Waterloo, and Physical Disability Rehabilitation Institute of Québec City. Prior publication and clinical intuition were used to identify fragility fracture risk factors including prior fragility fracture, years post-injury, motor complete injury (AIS A/B), benzodiazepine use, opioid use, and parental osteoporosis. We conducted bivariate analyses to identify variables associated with fracture. Multiple logistic regressions were performed using fragility fracture incidence as the dependent variable and all variables from the univariate analyses with a highly liberal p value at 0.2. Using the odds ratios (ORs) from the multiple logistic regression model, a point system for fragility fracture risk score was developed, and the odds of fracture for each point was estimated. Results: All initial variables, with the exception of benzodiazepine exposure, were included in the final model. Conclusion: We identified a simple preliminary model for clinicians to estimate 5-year fracture risk among patients with cSCI based on their total score.

A Qualitative Exploration of Proactive Falls Prevention by Canadian Primary Care Providers.

Background: Falls are a growing concern in Canada. Primary care providers are well positioned to address falls risk, but international literature suggests that best-practice guidelines are rarely followed. The objective of this study is to explore the perspectives of Canadian primary care providers around falls prevention and identify solutions. Methods: We conducted one-on-one qualitative interviews with a maximum variation sample of nine primary care providers in Ontario (n=8) and Alberta (n=1) in Canada. Data were collected over telephone and in-person at the location of participants choosing. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, then coded and analyzed with the Behaviour Change Wheel theoretical framework. Results: Most participants reported relying on patient self-report, intuition, and reactive approaches to identifying falls risk. Reported barriers to falls prevention included low capability to gather information on patient history, context, and community resources; limited opportunity to manage patient complexity due to time constraints; and challenges with motivating patients to engage in care plans. Reported facilitators included team-based interprofessional care and provider motivation. Conclusions: This study has found that Canadian primary care providers face barriers to identifying and managing falls risk. These barriers may be rooted in primary care culture, structure, and tradition.

Encouraging older adults with pre-frailty and frailty to "MoveStrong": an analysis of secondary outcomes for a pilot randomized controlled trial. / Encourager les personnes âgées souffrant de préfragilité et de fragilité à participer au programme d'exercice et de nutrition « MoveStrong ¼ : analyse des résultats secondaires d'un essai pilote comparatif randomisé.

BACKGROUND: This 8-week pilot stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial evaluated the MoveStrong program for teaching adults who have frailty/pre-frailty about balance and functional strength training and sufficient protein intake to prevent falls and improve mobility. METHODS: We recruited individuals aged 60 years and over, with a FRAIL scale score of 1 or higher and at least one chronic condition, who were not currently strength training. The program included 16 exercise physiologist-led hour-long group sessions and two dietitian-led hour-long nutrition sessions. We analyzed secondary outcomes-weight, gait speed, grip strength, physical capacity (fatigue levels), sit-to-stand functioning, dynamic balance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical activity levels and protein intake-using a paired t test and a generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: Of 44 participants (mean [SD] age 79 [9.82] years), 35 were pre-frail and 9 were frail. At follow-up, participants had significantly improved grip strength (1.63 kg, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.63); sit-to-stand functioning (2 sit-to-stands, 95% CI: 1 to 3); and dynamic balance (1.68 s, 95% CI: 0.47 to 2.89). There were no significant improvements in gait speed, HRQoL index scores, self-rated health, physical activity levels (aerobic activity and strength training) or protein intake. GEE analysis revealed an interaction between exposure to MoveStrong and gait speed, sit-to-stand functioning, dynamic balance and HRQoL index scores. The total cost to administer the program and purchase equipment was CAD 14 700, equivalent to CAD 377 per participant. CONCLUSION: Exploratory analyses suggest MoveStrong exercises may improve gait speed, sit-to-stand functioning, dynamic balance and HRQoL index scores in older individuals who are frail and pre-frail.

Researchers' perspectives on adverse event reporting in resistance training trials: a qualitative study.

The objectives of our study were to understand researchers' current practices and perspectives on adverse event (AE) reporting in clinical trials of resistance training (RT) and to identify barriers and facilitators of AE reporting. We conducted web conference or telephone-based one-on-one semistructured interviews with 14 researchers who have published RT studies. We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews and analyzed the data using the thematic framework method. Four themes were identified: (1) researchers lack guidance and/or motivation for rigorous AE reporting; (2) researchers who undertake AE reporting educate and value participants, use trained personnel, and implement standardized guidelines; (3) suboptimal implementation of existing AE reporting standards and the perception that available guidelines do not apply to exercise trials; and (4) acceptability and feasibility of an exercise-specific guide for AE reporting depend on its content and format. In conclusion, AE reporting methods in the field of exercise science do not align with best practice. Strategies to reduce inconsistent and suboptimal AE reporting in RT trials are urgently needed and could be based on the barriers and facilitators identified in this study.

The effects of Pilates on health-related outcomes in individuals with increased risk of fracture: a systematic review.

This systematic review examined the effect of Pilates on health-related outcomes in individuals with increased fracture risk to inform the 2021 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention in Canada. Seven electronic databases were searched to December 2020. Studies of Pilates in men and postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with low bone mineral density (BMD), history of fragility fracture, or moderate-high risk of fragility fracture were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies and performed risk of bias assessment. Of 7286 records and 504 full-text articles, 5 studies were included, encompassing data from 143 participants (99% female). Data were insufficient for meta-analyses. There is low-certainty evidence that Pilates improved physical functioning and health-related quality of life. The effect of Pilates on falls and BMD is uncertain. No evidence was available for the effect of Pilates on mortality, fractures, or adverse events. Overall, Pilates may improve physical functioning and quality of life. Evidence of benefits relative to harms of Pilates in people with increased fracture risk, particularly males, is limited. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019122685. Novelty: Pilates may improve physical functioning and quality of life in women with osteoporosis. Evidence of the effect of Pilates on BMD, falls, fractures, or adverse events is limited.

Exploring the Association between Pain and Fracture Characteristics in Women with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between pain and the number, severity, and location of fractures in women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Method: We used an 11-point numeric pain rating scale to assess pain during movement in the preceding week and lateral spinal radiographs to confirm number, location, and severity of vertebral fractures. In model 1, we assessed the association between pain during movement and the number, severity, and location of fractures. We adjusted model 2 for pain medication use and age. Results: The mean age of participants was 76.4 (SD 6.9) years. We found no statistically significant associations between pain and fracture number (estimated ß = 0.23, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.68), fracture severity (estimated ß = -0.46, 95% CI: -1.38, 0.49), or fracture location at T4-T8 (estimated ß = 0.06, 95% CI: -1.26, 1.34), T9-L1 (estimated ß = 0.35, 95% CI: -1.17, 1.74), or L2-L4 (estimated ß = 0.40, 95% CI: -1.01, 1.75). Age and pain medication use were not significantly associated with pain. Model 1 accounted for 4.7% and model 2 for 7.2% of the variance in self-reported pain. Conclusion: The number, location, and severity of fractures do not appear to be the primary explanation for pain in women with vertebral fractures. Clinicians must consider other factors contributing to pain.

Objectif : estimer le lien entre la douleur et le nombre, la gravité et le foyer des fractures chez les femmes atteintes de fractures vertébrales ostéoporotiques. Méthodologie : utilisation d'une échelle d'évaluation numérique de la douleur en 11 points pour établir la douleur pendant le mouvement au cours de la semaine précédente et de radiographies vertébrales latérales pour confirmer le nombre, le foyer et la gravité des fractures vertébrales. Dans le modèle 1, les chercheurs ont évalué l'association entre la douleur pendant le mouvement et le nombre, la gravité et le foyer des fractures. Ils ont rajusté le modèle 2 pour tenir compte de la médication contre la douleur et de l'âge. Résultats : les participants avaient un âge moyen de 76,4 ans (ÉT 6,9). Les chercheurs n'ont pas trouvé d'associations importantes entre la douleur et le nombre de fractures (ß estimatif = 0,23, IC à 95 % : ­0,27, 0,68), la gravité des fractures (ß estimatif = ­0,46, IC à 95 % : ­1,38, 0,49) ou le foyer des fractures aux vertèbres T4 à T8 (ß estimatif = 0,06, IC à 95 % : ­1,26, 1,34), aux vertèbres T9 à L1 (b estimatif = 0,35, IC à 95 % : ­1,17, 1,74) ou aux vertèbres L2 à L4 (ß estimatif = 0,40, IC à 95 % : ­1,01, 1,75). L'âge et l'utilisation d'analgésiques n'étaient pas associés à la douleur de manière significative. Le modèle 1 représentait 4,7 % et le modèle 2, 7,2 % des écarts en matière de douleur autodéclarée. Conclusion : Le nombre, le foyer et la gravité des fractures ne semblaient pas être l'explication primaire de la douleur chez les femmes atteintes de fractures vertébrales. Les cliniciens doivent envisager d'autres facteurs qui contribuent à la douleur.

The MoveStrong program for promoting balance and functional strength training and adequate protein intake in pre-frail older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance and functional strength training can improve muscle strength and physical functioning outcomes and decrease the risk of falls in older adults. To maximize the benefits of strength training, adequate protein intake is also important. However, the number of older individuals that consume enough protein or routinely engage in strength training remains low at less than 5% and even lower for activities that challenge balance. Our primary aim was to assess the feasibility of implementing a model (MoveStrong) of service delivery to teach older adults about balance and functional strength training and methods to increase protein intake. METHODS: This study was a closed cohort stepped wedge randomized controlled trial. We recruited individuals ≥60 years considered pre-frail or frail with at least one chronic condition who were not currently engaging in regular strength training from Northern (rural) and Southern (urban) Ontario sites in Canada. The primary outcome was feasibility of implementation, defined by recruitment, retention, and adherence, and safety (defined by monitoring adverse events). We also reported participants' and providers' experience with MoveStrong, adaptations to the model based on participant's and provider's experience, and program fidelity. RESULTS: We recruited 44 participants to the study and the average adherence rate was 72% with a retention of 71%. The program had a high-fidelity score. One person experienced a fall-related injury during exercise, while two other participants reported pain during certain activities. Five individuals experienced injuries or health problems that were not related to the program. Suggestions for future trials include modifying some exercises, exploring volunteer assistance, increasing the diversity of participants enrolled, and considering a different study design. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of recruitment and adherence for a larger multisite RCT of balance and functional strength training with attention to protein intake in pre-frail and frail older adults.

The Effect of Impact Exercise (Alone or Multicomponent Intervention) on Health-Related Outcomes in Individuals at Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is commonly recommended to prevent and manage osteoporosis. High magnitude strains at rapid rate and short bouts should theoretically elicit an osteogenic response; however, the effects of different levels of impact exercises on several outcomes in people at risk of fracture are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To report the effect of impact exercise on falls, fractures, adverse events, mortality, bone mineral density (BMD), physical functioning, and health-related quality of life (QoL). METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials testing the effect of impact exercise compared with a non-exercise control on outcomes in adults ≥ 50 years with low BMD or fragility fractures. Two reviewers selected studies and extracted data. Where possible, we pooled outcomes using mean difference (MD) with a fixed-effects model and 95% confidence interval (CI). We reported risk of bias using Cochrane and certainty of evidence using GRADE. RESULTS: We included 29 trials; 19 studies evaluated impact exercise alone, and the remaining trials combined impact with resistance or balance training. Impact exercise alone or combined with resistance training improved Timed Up-and-Go values (MD - 0.95 s, 95% CI - 1.09 to - 0.81, low certainty evidence) and lumbar spine (MD 0.04 g/cm2, 95% CI 0.02-0.06, low certainty evidence) and femoral neck BMD (MD 0.04 g/cm2, 95% CI 0.02-0.07, low certainty evidence). Impact exercise did not improve health-related QoL assessed with QUALEFFO-41 (MD 0.06, 95% CI - 2.18 to 2.30, moderate certainty evidence). The effects of impact exercise on falls, fractures, and mortality are uncertain due to insufficient data. Many trials had a high risk of bias for two or more items. CONCLUSIONS: There is low certainty evidence that impact exercise may improve physical function and BMD in people at risk of fracture. The effect of impact exercises on falls, fractures, and mortality remains unclear. Our findings should be interpreted with caution due to risk of bias and small sample sizes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in Prospero (CRD42018115579) on January 30, 2019.

Physical Activity and Bone Health in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Research on osteoporosis and physical activity often focuses on women. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the benefits and harms of physical activity interventions for men's bone health. METHODS: We used standard methods and searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (duration, ≥6 months) published in all languages across multiple databases and trial registries. The last search was conducted on July 22, 2020. RESULTS: We included 11 studies (14 publications), resulting in a sample of N=723 men (range, 17-132 participants). We found low-certainty evidence that physical activity has little influence on the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the total hip (5 RCTs, N=324; mean difference [MD], 0.03 [95 confidence interval (CI), 0.01 to 0.05]) and little or no influence on the aBMD at the femoral neck (3 RCTs, N=186; MD, 0.00 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.04]), lumbar spine (3 RCTs; N=213; MD, 0.05 [95% CI, -0.01 to 0.11]), and whole body (4 RCTs, N=203; MD, -0.00 [95% CI, -0.03 to 0.02]). CONCLUSIONS: We found low-certainty evidence that physical activity (≥6 months) has some effect on the total hip in men, but new evidence may change this finding. This review highlights the gap in the evidence on specific intervention prescriptions that can benefit the bone geometry, structure, microarchitecture, and, ultimately, bone strength in men. Future research should engage in comprehensive reporting of harms, quality of life outcomes, advanced imaging findings, and long-term interventions.

The Effects of Walking or Nordic Walking in Adults 50 Years and Older at Elevated Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Walking is a common activity among older adults. However, the effects of walking on health-related outcomes in people with low bone mineral density (BMD) are unknown. The authors included randomized controlled trials comparing walking to control in individuals aged ≥50 years with low BMD and at risk of fractures. The authors identified 13 randomized controlled trials: nine multicomponent interventions including walking, one that was walking only, and three Nordic walking trials. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Nordic walking may improve the Timed Up-and-Go values (1.39 s, 95% CI [1.00, 1.78], very low certainty). Multicomponent interventions including walking improved the 6-min walk test (39.37 m, 95% CI [21.83, 56.91], very low certainty) and lumbar spine BMD (0.01 g/cm2, 95% CI [0.00, 0.03], low certainty evidence). The effects on quality of life or femoral neck BMD were not significant. There were insufficient data on fractures, falls, or mortality. Nordic walking may improve physical functioning. The effects on other outcomes are less certain; one may need to combine walking with other exercises to be of benefit.

The association between trunk muscle endurance, balance and falls self-efficacy in women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures: an exploratory analysis from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Trunk muscle endurance may be associated with balance and falls self-efficacy for people with osteoporosis. However, all previous studies have examined trunk muscle strength rather than endurance. PURPOSE: To explore the relationships between trunk muscle endurance and standing balance and falls self-efficacy for women with vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an exploratory, secondary analysis of baseline data of a pilot randomized controlled trial in Ontario, Canada. Thirty-one women with osteoporosis, aged 65 years or older, with at least one vertebral fracture were included. The associations between balance (Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation) and trunk muscle endurance (Timed Loaded Standing Test) and falls self-efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale International) and trunk muscle endurance were tested via Spearman rank order correlation with Fisher's z transformations. RESULTS: Trunk muscle endurance was correlated with better balance performance on the Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation [Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.47-0.85; p < 0.001], but not with falls self efficacy (Spearman correlation coefficient; -0.22; 95% confidence interval: -0.53 to 0.14; p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Trunk muscle endurance was moderately associated with better standing balance performance but not falls self-efficacy, highlighting the importance of trunk muscle endurance for standing balance for older adults with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures.Implications for RehabilitationOlder adults with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures who have better trunk muscle endurance may also have better standing balance.There was no association between trunk muscle endurance and how confident a person is that they will not fall while completing various activities of daily living.Trunk muscle endurance training could be included as part of a standing balance rehabilitation program for this population.