The effect of progressive loading protocol on bone mineral density and quality of life in osteoporotic patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the progressive loading protocol (PLP) in subjects with osteoporosis. Ninety-two patients diagnosed with osteoporosis participated in this double-blind randomized control trial. The participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Both groups received twelve weeks of low-impact aerobics training along with a health awareness program. The experimental group received, in addition, PLP. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Quality of life (QoL), fear of fall (FOF), and risk of fall (ROF) were assessed using quality of life questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis-41 (QUALEFFO-41), fall efficacy scale-international (FES-I), the time up and go (TUG) test, and Berg-balance scale (BBS), respectively. Self-exercise efficacy scale (SEES), and exercise benefit barrier scales (EBBS) were also measured. Participants in the experimental group revealed more improvement in BMD, QoL, FOF, and ROF post-intervention compared to the control group. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation existed between BMI, TUG, FES-I, and QUALEFFO-41. While a strong negative correlation was found between BBS, SEES, EBBS, and QUALEFFO-41.PLP offers a safe and feasible option for individuals seeking to manage the challenges of osteoporosis while improving their physical well-being.