Health Care Professionals
CONTENTS
Falls Prevention
One of the goals of Osteofit is to prevent falls. Falls are a major cause of serious fracture. Fall-related fractures can also occur among those with normal bone mass, so the problem is not restricted to those with osteoporosis. Approximately 30% of individuals over 65 years of age fall at least once per year and about half of these may do so recurrently. Non-fatal falls may result in individuals considerably reducing their activity for fear of future falls and almost half of fallers are unable to get up without help. Regular strength and balance training prevents falls and it likely prevents fall-related fractures in older adults.
Age-related changes in muscle and bone also predispose people to both falls and fractures. Muscle strength and mass decline 30-50% between the ages of 30 and 80. Falls are reduced more as a result of balance, resistance, and flexibility training than as a result of endurance training.
- Exercise can modify some fall risk factors and thus reduce falls in older adults
- A physically active lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporotic fracture.
How Osteofit stays current
Based on published research and best practices, Osteofit is also supported by clinical specialists at BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre's (BC Women's) Osteoporosis Program.
Our specially trained instructors have access to the clinical team of doctors, a nurse clinician, physiotherapist, and dietitian who provide on-going support to the program.
BC Women's offers continuing education workshops for registered Osteofit instructors several times per year at little or no cost. Topics include updated information on nutrition for health, a review of exercises for the management of osteoporosis, contra-indicated exercises, modifications to exercise for postural compromises, and the latest research on physical activity for health.
Osteofit instructors are required to maintain a high level of competency and re-registration is required every two years.
Osteofit instructors must successfully complete an Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) every three years.
Researchers from the UBC Bone Health Research Centre also provide input to the program. Studies are undertaken periodically to assess the effectiveness of Osteofit. Results from these studies directly impact the content and delivery of the program.
BC Women's regularly collect data on program participation, reasons for participation, and if objectives are being realized. This information also translates directly to program modifications.
Instructors
Osteofit instructors have taken specialized training from BC Women's Health Centre and are registered through British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). To qualify for registration, each instructor must be registered as a BCRPA Fitness Leader with Third Age designation (Seniors' Fitness knowledge), have completed the Osteofit Instructor Training Course, passed the Osteofit exam, and successfully passed an Osteofit Instructor Competency Evaluation (abbreviated as O-ICE). Instructors are required to maintain certification with professional development workshops. The Instructor to participant ratio is low to allow more individualized attention.
The exercises have been chosen for their effectiveness in decreasing the rate of bone loss, strengthening muscles and improving posture. Modifications and varying intensity levels are taught so that participants work at their own level.
