Effects of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Balance Function in Patients with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions in improving balance function of patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We searched seven databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CKNI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and CBM) for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to August 31, 2020. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) were used as outcome measures. Two researchers independently screened studies, collected data from the studies, and estimated risk of study bias. Divergence in the evaluation process was settled by consulting a third researcher. We used Stata 15.1 software for network meta-analysis (NMA). RESULTS: We identified 10 eligible RCTs, with a total of 737 patients and four intervention methods, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exercises, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), strength training, and balance and strength training. The results revealed that all nonpharmacological interventions could improve balance function, but the effect of balance and strength training was better than other interventions. CONCLUSION: Exercise can significantly improve the balance function of patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia, and balance combined with strength training has the best effect, followed by TCM exercises.