Project 1

Osteofit exercise program roll-out: An inclusive provincial bone health
strategy for seniors.

Project Goals - What are we doing?

We are currently evaluating the efficacy of a 10-week Osteofit program using a pre-post design. Evaluation will include: 1) physiological measures of fall risk; 2) fall-related self-efficacy; and 3) change in body composition. In addition, we will assess the physiological response to the classes using continuous heart rate monitors and accelerometers. We have completed a preliminary survey of Osteofit participants to better characterize the people who use this service.

Research Outcomes for 2007- What will be achieved?

The specific evaluation objectives for the upcoming year are to (i) characterize Osteofit participants within the province, and (ii) report individual response to the Osteofit program.

Background - Why is this research important?

Osteofit is an exercise program designed for people with low bone mass that is available in over 50-sites within the province. This has the potential to provide seniors with evidence-based bone health care by optimizing bone health and reducing fall risk. As individuals with low bone mass are at high risk of fracture, health professionals must ensure that prescribed exercise programs are safe and effective. Osteofit has provided community-based programs for British Columbians since 1997 and we have completed two studies that highlighted certain benefits of Osteofit exercises for bone and balance measures. We now seek to extend these findings by evaluating new health variables and refining the exercise program further for the target population.

Back to Knowledge Translation: Selected Projects

Publications related to this project

1. Carter ND, Khan KM, McKay HA, Petit MA, Waterman C, Heinonen A, Janssen PA, Donaldson MG, Mallinson A, Riddell L, Kruse K, Prior JC, Flicker L. Community-based exercise program reduces risk factors for falls in 65 to 75 year-old women with osteoporosis: randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2002 Oct 29;167(9):997-1004.
2. Liu-Ambrose T, Khan KM, Eng JJ, Janssen PA, Lord SR, McKay HA. Resistance and agility training reduce fall risk in women aged 75 to 85 with low bone mass: a 6-month randomized, controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 May;52(5):657-65.

Project Team

Principal Investigator:

Karim Khan, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of
Family Practice, UBC
Centre for Hip Health

Co- Investigators:

Maureen Ashe, PhD
Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD

Research Expertise:

pQCT, Osteoporosis,
Exercise Prescription,
Mechanical Loading,
Clinical Trials,
Growing Bone,
Knowledge Translation,
Health Promotion

Contact Information:

371-2647 Willow Street
Willow Chest Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia
CANADA (V5Z 3P1)

Funding Support:

Provincial Health
Services Authority PPP Program
(Prevention, Promotion, Protection)