BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) negatively affects the musculoskeletal system by reducing muscle strength (MS) and causing kyphotic-postural changes. Combined with a fear of falling (FoF), these changes impact women's quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and resistance exercises (REs) on MS, thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), balance, FoF, and QoL in PMOP women. METHODS: A total of 30 women with PMOP participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either progressive resistance exercises or PEMFs (30Hz, 40 Gauss) groups. Both groups underwent 24 sessions of interventions (45 minutes, twice-weekly, for three months). Outcomes measures were the MS (hip abductor and hip, knee and thoracic extensor strength), TKA, balance (Time Up and Go (TUG)), Qol and FoF. Statistical analysis was performed using independent and paired t-tests. RESULTS: In the PEMFs group, TUG improved, QoL increased and FoF decreased significantly (p < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in MS and TKA (p > 0.05). In the REs group, MS, TKA, TUG, Qol and FoF were changed significantly (p < 0.05). Between-group differences regarding MS and FoF were significant (p < 0.05), favoring the REs group. CONCLUSIONS: REs were more effective in increasing MS and decreasing FoF than using PEMFs. However, PEMFs were found to be effective in improving balance and QoL and have a beneficial effect on FoF, despite their limited efficacy on MS and TKA. It is suggested that clinicians consider PEMFs in their rehabilitation program for PMOP, when it is not possible to use REs.

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