[Rehabilitation procedures for osteoporosis in children: practical advice]

The authors, basing on their own experience, propose rehabilitation program for osteoporotic children. Such a program may restore basic locomotive system functions in the period of time up to 12 weeks. Efficacy of the proposed rehabilitation program was evaluated with orthopaedic examination, X-ray, densitometry, and biochemical measurements in 210 children of both sexes who were followed-up for 3 years. The program includes motoric rehabilitation with specifically designed exercises. Basic exercises include active exercises without loading, isotonic resistive exercises and exercises in water whereas auxiliary program includes relaxing and active-passive exercises. The authors discuss rehabilitation priorities in osteoporosis such as the use of analgesics and early erect positioning. An effective rehabilitation requires, however, hospitalization.