Comparing the effects of osteoporosis prevention exercise protocol [OPEP] versus walking in the prevention of osteoporosis in younger females

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise Protocol [OPEP] in younger females. One hundred young female volunteers aged 20-30 were selected from IPM and R Dow University of Health Sciences. This was a comparative study in which 64 females participants were randomly assigned into two groups [32 in OPEP exercise group and 32 in walking group]. The exercise session had three components 1] stretching 2] strengthening 3] high impact weight bearing exercises. Both interventional programs consisted of 3 sessions per week for twelve weeks under the supervision of physiotherapist. Pre and post intervention bone mass density [BMD] was measured on the lumbar spine [L1-L4], hip, femur, and distal forearm by using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry [DEXA] scan. After twelve weeks of intervention BMD was found to be statistically insignificant at hip, femur, lumbar spine and wrist [p > 0.05] comparing the post results in the OPEP and exercise group. Moreover BMD at hip, femur, lumbar spine and wrist was unaltered in both groups comparing the results of pre and post intervention. Though significant changes were observed in BMI in the OPEP exercise group [p value =0.010] mean +/- standard deviation pre and post found to be 20.2578 +/- 3.11123 and 21.0942 +/- 3.64203 but no variations in anthropometrics in walking group were found. The present study highlights the burden of osteopenia in younger females. The Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise Protocol formulated by author was not useful to bring any significant changes in BMD moreover it had no significant effects in comparison to walking group. However additional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise Protocol on bone quality with long term effects

Role of manual therapy with exercise regime versus exercise regime alone in the management of non-specific chronic neck pain

To evaluate the role of manual therapy with exercise regime versus exercise regime alone in the management of non-specific chronic neck pain. In this 62 subjects randomized controlled trial 31 subjects in group A received manual therapy [manipulation] with supervised exercise regime whilst 31 subjects in group B performed only supervised exercise regime for the period of 3 weeks. Both groups had a home exercise program consisted of strengthening exercises for neck/scapuluar stability, stretching and general range of motion exercises for neck with advice regarding posture awareness and correction for 3 months. The results suggested significant reduction in pain intensity level in both groups; over 3 weeks and 12 weeks' time period in relation to baseline on visual analog scale [p=0.001]. Similarly, statistically significant improvements noticed in Neck Disability Index [NDI] [p=0.0001] in both groups while looking at baseline data with reference to 12 weeks' time period. On closer inspection, the manual therapy [manipulation] with exercise regime appeared as a favorable treatment preference compared with exercise regime alone