Bmc Musculoskel Dis
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Nov 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialThe osteoporotic fracture prevention program in rural areas (OFRA): a protocol for a cluster-randomized health care fund driven intervention in a routine health care setting.
Fragility fractures are one of the leading causes for disability in old people. The main underlying mechanisms are osteoporosis and falls. Evidence-based measures to prevent either falls or fractures are available. However, coordinated preventive approaches combining bone health and fall prevention are rare. The objective of the study is to evaluate a health care fund driven program, which encourages insured persons to adhere to national guidelines regarding bone health and physical activity and falls prevention. The health care fund cooperates with the 'German Association of Rural Women' and the 'German Gymnastics Association'. The program consists of mobility and falls prevention classes, the examination of bone health by a DXA scan, and a consultation about 'safety in the living environment'. ⋯ The study evaluates a complex preventive intervention in a routine health care setting which may serve as model for similar approaches in other areas or countries.