Physical ACTivity: the tool to improve the quality of LIFE in osteoporosis people

The ACTLIFE project is focused on the development and dissemination of protocols aimed at the prevention of osteoporosis consequences through physical activities in European countries. The project was developed and implemented in 6 European countries: Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, and Bulgaria throughout 36 months plus the extension of 6 months due to COVID-19 pandemic. The ACTLIFE project was carried out successfully. The set objectives, activities, and intellectual outputs were fully achieved and satisfying. Indeed, the obtained results have encouraged the partners consortium to continue with further similar national and international activities and projects.Some studies have previously demonstrated the benefits of exercise in the treatment and prevention of most chronic disease, including Osteoporosis (OP). OP is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease in older people and has been shown to have adverse effects on the quality of life as well as physical health in women. There is consensus that regular exercise plays an important role in preventing OP and enhancing quality of life and longevity of those living with this condition.The team project collected, reviewed, and analysed the national institutional policies, health programs, and exercise protocols. Moreover, they reviewed the literature regarding the effect of physical activity and exercise as OP prevention with emphasis on postmenopausal women. Consequently, the consortium has published 2 systematic reviews and meta-analysis in high-quality scientific journals. In addition, a document collating all the European experiences has been written. Such important results were achieved thanks to the collaboration of all the partners involved and provided a basis for the implementation of the project outcomes.The partnership worked on finding the most promising exercise intervention to address fracture risk reduction through bone strengthening as well as fall and impact reduction strategies. The main exercises were tested, revised, approved, and included in the protocols. The partnership has implemented 2 ACTLIFE protocols: the first was designed for early postmenopausal women with osteopenia or OP employing gym machines; the second for women with osteoporosis without using any types of gym machines. The latter exercise program was conceived to be delivered to large number of subjects even if with little experience in physical activity, both at home or in a gym, with or without trainers supervision. The protocols were written in English and translated into all partners’ languages.In Italy and Germany, 2 RCT have been implemented. In Germany 56 women were assigned to 2 groups: one training group and one control group. In Italy, 52 women were assigned to 2 groups: one gym group and one individual home training group. These activities have been described in scientific articles. The studies were influenced by COVID-19 pandemic: in Germany study was stopped after 13 months; in Italy, assessments at 6 months were delayed and methodology was adapted to pandemic conditions. The list of safe/ethical gyms was gathered.University partners have organized several meetings with the Coordinators of the Higher Education Programs with aim of organising courses, seminars, and other educational events on the outcomes of the ACTLIFE project. A large communication and dissemination events were scheduled to be implemented during the lifetime of the project. However, in the last study period, dissemination and multiplier events were conducted online due to Covid-19 restrictions, which limited the possibility to perform events in face-to-face modality. However, in the last months, when and where possible, some face-to-face multiplier events have been organized in- and outdoor.