Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Exercise improves balance function in patients with osteoporosis with larger effects for longer durationsExercise Improves Balance Function for People with Osteoporosis

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Note that exercise improves balance in osteoporosis patients, with larger effects observed for longer durations.

This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of exercise on balance function in patients with osteoporosis. The analysis found a significant improvement in balance function with a pooled effect size of SMD, 0.83 (95%CI, 0.45 to 1.22; p < 0.00001).

Subgroup analyses suggest that specific exercise parameters may correlate with larger improvements. Specifically, interventions lasting at least 12 weeks showed an SMD of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.42 to 1.24; p < 0.0001). Programs performed at least 3 times per week (SMD, 1.07) and those lasting at least 60 minutes per session (SMD, 1.09) also showed larger improvements. The largest effect size was observed for programs lasting at least 180 minutes per week (SMD, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.42 to 3.50; p = 0.01).

Additional findings noted larger pooled effect sizes for composite balance outcomes (SMD, 0.93) and among middle-aged participants (SMD, 1.97). The authors note that these differences across exercise characteristics and participant subgroups should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive evidence. Clinical application should be cautious as the optimal exercise prescription is not established.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis extends the understanding of exercise therapy for osteoporosis, which is currently noted to have significant translational gaps and heterogeneous osteogenic effects across modalities. While the prior evidence highlights these gaps, this study provides specific data on how duration and frequency of exercise may influence balance outcomes. The findings regarding specific exercise characteristics are exploratory and should be viewed as hypothesis-generating rather than definitive evidence for optimal prescription.

A review of existing research found that exercise is effective at improving balance function in people with osteoporosis. The study looked at how different types of exercise routines affected balance and found that certain factors led to better results.

Specifically, the data showed that programs lasting 12 weeks or longer, sessions lasting at least 60 minutes, and routines performed at least three times per week all showed significant improvements. Additionally, performing at least 180 minutes of exercise per week and participating in programs specifically designed for middle-aged individuals were linked to larger improvements in balance.

Because the data on specific exercise types are exploratory, these findings are not yet definitive. While the results show a clear link between exercise and better balance, they do not provide a specific prescription for the best type of exercise. You should speak with your doctor or a physical therapist to create a safe and personalized exercise plan.

What this means for you:
Exercise can improve balance in people with osteoporosis, especially with longer sessions and more frequent routines.

Common questions

How does exercise help with balance in osteoporosis?

Exercise is shown to be effective in improving balance function for people with osteoporosis. The study found that specific factors, such as exercising at least three times per week or for 60 minutes per session, were linked to larger improvements in balance scores.

Are there specific types of exercise that work best?

The study found that longer programs (12 weeks or more) and sessions lasting at least 60 minutes showed significant improvements. However, because these results are exploratory, the data does not provide a single definitive exercise prescription for everyone.

Is it safe for people with osteoporosis to exercise?

The study confirms that exercise is effective for improving balance in people with osteoporosis. Because every person's condition is different, you should consult your doctor or a physical therapist to determine the safest and most effective routine for your specific needs.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
Follow-up2.8 mo
PublishedOct 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis (OP) is often accompanied by impaired balance, which substantially increases the risk of falls and fragility fractures. This study aimed to quantify the effects of exercise on balance function in individuals with OP and to explore potential exercise-related characteristics associated with greater improvements in balance function. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from inception to November 10, 2025. Outcomes were pooled using standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects model. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly improved balance function (SMD, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.45 to 1.22; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses revealed that certain exercise characteristics, including interventions lasting ≥ 12 weeks (SMD, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.24; p < 0.0001), ≥ 3 times per week (SMD, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.68; p = 0.0006), ≥ 60 min per session (SMD, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.44 to 1.75; p = 0.001), and ≥ 180 min per week (SMD, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.42 to 3.50; p = 0.01), may be associated with larger improvements in balance function. In addition, relatively larger pooled effect sizes were observed in studies using composite balance outcomes (SMD, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.38; p < 0.0001) in studies involving middle-aged participants (SMD, 1.97; 95% CI, 0.42 to 3.52; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise is effective in improving balance function in OP patients. Observed differences across exercise characteristics and participant subgroups should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive evidence of optimal exercise prescription. Future research should focus on establishing standardized exercise protocols and investigating the long-term effects of exercise interventions on clinically relevant outcomes.
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.