PNF and Frenkel's Exercises for Postmenopausal Women

Postural stability is impaired due to the decrease in estrogen in the postmenopausal period, which may lead to disruption of balance and risk of falling. Our objective was to investigate the effects of PNF and Frenkel's exercises on balance, fall risk, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Forty-eight postmenopausal women were randomized into PNF (n = 24) (5 days a week) and Frenkel (n = 24) (5 days a week as a home exercise program) exercise groups. Hand grip strength, quality of life (short form- 36), falling risk (Falls Risk of Older People-Community Setting \[FROP-COM\]), and balance (functional reach test \[FRT\], one - leg stand test \[OLST\], timed up and go test \[TUG\], and Berg balance scale \[BBS\]) of all patients were evaluated prior to treatment, and at 4th week follow-up. The treatment responses were evaluated at the beginning, and at the 4th week.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PNF and Frenkel's exercises on balance, fall risk, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Forty-eight postmenopausal women were randomized into PNF (n = 24) (5 days a week) and Frenkel (n = 24) (5 days a week as a home exercise program) exercise groups. Hand grip strength, quality of life (short form- 36), falling risk (Falls Risk of Older People-Community Setting \[FROP-COM\]), and balance (functional reach test \[FRT\], one - leg stand test \[OLST\], timed up and go test \[TUG\], and Berg balance scale \[BBS\]) of all patients were evaluated prior to treatment, and at 4th week follow-up. The treatment responses were evaluated at the beginning, and at the 4th week. A total of 13 patients (27.1%) had a history of falls in the last 6 months and 12 months. According to the intra-group assessment; there was a significant improvement in all parameters in PNF group (p\<0.05). In Frenkel group, there was a significant improvement in all evaluations except the OLST (p=0.064), and the short form-36 mental health score (p=0.057). Among the groups; no significant difference was detected in terms of hand grip strength, FROP-COM, FRT and TUG scores (p \> 0.05). The OLST and BBS scores was significantly higher in the PNF group (p=0.022, and p= 0.002, respectively). To conclude, PNF and Frenkel exercise programs had significant effects on balance parameters, risk of falling and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Frenkel home exercise program is cheaper, easier, and requires less manpower, therefore, we think that it may be more preferable in terms of improving balance and reducing fall risk in postmenopausal women.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

- Postmenopausal women aged between 50-80 years who can walk independently were included in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1. Having diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, 2. The presence of plantar ulcers, 3. Presence of coronary artery disease, 4. Presence of peripheral vascular disease, 5. Presence of vision disorders, 6. Having a history of use of assistive walking device, 7. Presence of severe neurological, muscular or rheumatologic disease, 8. History of alcohol use, 9. Having lower limb amputation, 10. Presence of dementia, 11. Having a malignancy history, 12. Having a hearing problem, 13. Using a drug affecting balance, 14. Patients included in regular exercise program, and 15. Presence of neurological diseases affecting balance (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, etc.).