The effectiveness of a new complex of physical rehabilitation with the inclusion of mechanotherapy technologies in improving quality of life in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Background. Medical rehabilitation plays a key role in restoring functionality and social activity, as well as the physical and psychological aspects of quality of life (QOL) in patients with pathological fractures in the setting of osteoporosis (OP).

Objective: to assess the effect of a new complex of physical rehabilitation with the inclusion of mechanotherapy on the physical and psychological aspects of QOL in patients with vertebral fractures (VFs) and OP.

Methods. The study was carried out in the form of a prospective controlled open study in two parallel groups. 90 patients with osteoporotic VF were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the intervention group (group 1, n=60), which received a new complex of physical therapy, or control group (group 2, n=30), which received only special complex of physical exercises. QOL and pain level assessment was performed at baseline and at follow-up on the 21st and 70th day in patients of both groups. A special questionnaire QUALEFFO-41 was used to assess QOL.

Results. Administration of a new physical rehabilitation complex resulted in pain reduction and improvement of such QOL aspects as jobs around the house, mobility and mental state. No dynamics was found in QUALEFFO-41 scale in “daily living activity” and “leisure, social activities”, “general health perception” domains. Therapy effect on pain syndrome relief, expansion of daily living activity, mobility and increasement in overall QOL assessment, remains for at least 4 weeks after the rehabilitation course.

Conclusion. New three-week physical therapy complex, including mechanotherapeutic methods with biological feedback and special physical exercises in the gym and pool can be recommended for the rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic VF in order to increase QOL and reduce back pain.