Exercise is recommended for people with osteoporosis, including those with vertebral fractures, but there are few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of efficacy, particularly with a fracture outcome. A large sample size would be needed to detect the effect of exercise on fractures. This pilot trial tested the feasibility of a definitive RCT of exercise in individuals with vertebral fractures, focusing on recruitment, retention and adherence to intervention.
Impact
This pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of retention and adherence. Recruiting individuals with Grade 2 vertebral fractures to a 1-year RCT of exercise was a challenge. Suggestions for future trials: active control group; large number of recruiting sites; multi-lingual support, sites with a history of successful recruitment or a participant recruitment pool; recruitment integrated with clinical visits instead of via referral; and a broader definition of high risk.
Student Experience
Gave credit to students for participation in international activities at home and abroad.
