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Original Articles

The association between spinal curvature and balance in elderly women at high risk of osteoporotic fractures in primary health care

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Pages 226-232 | Received 17 Dec 2015, Accepted 23 Apr 2016, Published online: 26 May 2016
 

Abstract

The main aim was to study the relationship between spinal curvature and balance in elderly women at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. Ninety-four women were included in this cross-sectional study. Static timed standing and dynamic balance tests were performed; spinal curvature was measured by using the Flexicurve ruler; and radiological data on vertebral fractures were gathered. The women in the hyperkyphosis subgroup had a 5.6 s longer tandem standing time eyes open (p < 0.05), tandem gait forwards (p < 0.05) and tandem gait backwards (p < 0.01) than those without hyperkyphosis. Logistic regression with the ability to tandem walk as a dichotomous outcome (cut-off ≥4 steps) showed that women with a hyperkyphosis had an age-adjusted Odds ratio of 4.5 (95% CI 1.7–12.1) to perform ≥4 tandem steps backwards and their Odds ratio to perform ≥4 tandem steps forwards was also significantly higher with an age-adjusted Odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI 1.1–7.4). Lordotic Index was positively correlated to one-leg standing with eyes open (p < 0.05). The present study suggests an association between hyperkyphosis and a better tandem standing and tandem gait forwards and backwards.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

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