Osteoporosis Canada’s Clinical Practice Guideline: Exercise recommendations for fall and fracture Prevention

Overview

In Canada, more than 2 million people live with osteoporosis, a disease that increases the risk for fractures, which result in excess mortality and morbidity, decreased quality of life and loss of autonomy. The guideline is intended to assist Canadian health care professionals in the delivery of care to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures in postmenopausal females and in males aged 50 years and older. Fall-related injuries are the most common cause of hospitalizations in older adults. Many physical therapists treat patients with osteoporosis, even if osteoporosis is not the primary reason for treatment. They may also get questions about exercise and osteoporosis medication. Physiotherapists are in a unique position to identify individuals at risk of fracture and educate them on the need for screening and fracture prevention, and to prescribe evidence-based exercise programs for fall and fracture prevention.

Instructor Biography

Lora Giangregorio, PhD is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Bone Health and Exercise Science in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. She leads the Bone Health and Exercise Science Lab, or BonES lab. The BonES lab team leads research on physical activity for fall and fracture prevention. Dr. Giangregorio is a member of the Scientific Advisory Council for Osteoporosis Canada and was on the leadership team that developed the 2020 Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines. She also led the Exercise Working Group for the 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention in Canada.

Learning objectives

1. Be able to screen patients for risk factors for fracture and identify individuals at risk
2. Be able to differentiate between the different medications for osteoporosis and answer patient FAQs (e.g., side effects, why you can’t suddenly stop taking denosumab)
3. Be able to apply the exercise recommendations for fall and fracture prevention, and have practical tips for implementation

Cost