Comparison of spinal alignment, muscular strength, and quality of life between women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and healthy volunteers

A Comparison of Hidden Blood Loss Between Multilevel Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare transfusion and blood loss volumes, particularly hidden blood loss volume, in adult spinal deformity patients undergoing lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Corrective surgery for adults with spinal deformity patients can be performed via the traditional posterior approach (PLIF) or minimally invasive lateral approach (LLIF). LLIF is associated with longer or comparable operation times and lower intraoperative blood loss. However, hidden blood loss has not been compared between the two procedures.

METHODS

We compared hidden blood loss and other blood loss volumes, transfusion volume, operation time, and radiographic surgical outcomes between LLIF patients (n = 71) and PLIF patients (n = 33) who underwent surgery in our institution from September 2011 to June 2018. All patients provided informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Institutional ethics committee conducted this study approval was obtained.

RESULTS

Transfusion volume and intraoperative and total blood loss volumes were significantly higher in the PLIF group. Operation time and HBL did not significantly differ. The hidden blood loss-to-intraoperative blood loss ratio was significantly higher in the LLIF group (113% vs 60%; P = .004). Radiographic measures of outcome were significantly better after surgery than before in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although intraoperative blood loss was less with LLIF than PLIF, HBL was similar between the approaches. Patients undergoing LLIF should be followed closely for postoperative anemia even if intraoperative blood loss is low.

Trends in Osteoporosis Drug Therapy Receipt Among Commercial and Medicare Advantage Enrollees in the United States, 2011-2022

CONTEXT

A national assessment of osteoporosis drug therapy (ODT) use can inform the extent of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to describe trends in ODT use by age, sex, fragility fracture, and documented osteoporosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patient-quarter observations for adults aged ≥50 years with commercial or Medicare Advantage health insurance in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse between 2011 and 2022. The primary outcome was the proportion of patient-quarter observations with ODT use stratified by age, sex, fragility fracture, and documented osteoporosis. Cuzick tests were performed to assess trends ODT use.

RESULTS

Analysis of 166 673 420 patient-quarter observations revealed that over 70% of patients with fragility fractures did not have documented osteoporosis. Among women aged ≥65 years with documented osteoporosis, ODT fill rates increased between 2011 and 2022 from 36.3% to 50.1% for women without fragility fractures (P < .001) and from 30.8% to 43.7% for women with fragility fractures (P < .001). However, ODT fill rates declined (9.2% to 7.4% between 2011 and 2022) for women with fragility fractures and no documented osteoporosis (P = .015). Similar trends were observed among women aged 50-64 years and men.

CONCLUSION

ODT use for patients with documented osteoporosis has increased but remains low. Low rates of ODT use for patients with fragility fractures in the absence of documented osteoporosis suggests that underdiagnosis of osteoporosis contributes to underuse of ODTs.

The genetic causal effect of hand grip strength on osteoporosis and falling risk: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Patients with osteoporosis (OP) are often associated with decreased hand grip strength and increased risk of falling. It remains unclear whether there is a genetic causal between hand grip strength and OP, falling risk.

Methods

The Mendelian randomization study was used to investigate the genetic causal effect of low hand grip strength on total body bone mineral density (BMD) at different ages, OP, and falling risk. Genes for low hand grip strength, total body BMD at different ages, OP, and falling risk were obtained from published genome-wide association studies. Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median were applied to perform the MR analysis. The Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out analysis were used to detect the pleiotropy or heterogeneity.

Results

The results showed strong evidence that low hand grip strength was positively associated with OP (OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.003-1.010; P= 0.0001) and falling risk (OR: 1.069, 95% CI: 1.013-1.129; P= 0.0160), and could not directly affect the different ages of total body BMD (P> 0.05). There was no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in the sensitivity analysis (all P> 0.05).

Conclusion

The study found a positive causal relationship between low hand grip strength and higher risk of OP and falling, which should be taken into account in the development of future prevention and screening strategies for OP and falling.

Identifying characteristics and clinical conditions associated with hand grip strength in adults: the Project Baseline Health Study

Low hand grip strength (HGS) is associated with several conditions, but its value outside of the older adult population is unclear. We sought to identify the most salient factors associated with HGS from an extensive list of candidate variables while stratifying by age and sex. We used data from the initial visit from the Project Baseline Health Study (N = 2502) which captured detailed demographic, occupational, social, lifestyle, and clinical data. We applied MI-LASSO using group methods to determine variables most associated with HGS out of 175 candidate variables. We performed analyses separately for sex and age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years). Race was associated with HGS to varying degrees across groups. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were negatively associated with HGS in female study participants. Immune cell counts were negatively associated with HGS for male participants ≥ 65 (neutrophils) and female participants (≥ 65, monocytes; < 65, lymphocytes). Most findings were age and/or sex group-specific; few were common across all groups. Several of the variables associated with HGS in each group were novel, while others corroborate previous research. Our results support HGS as a useful indicator of a variety of clinical characteristics; however, its utility varies by age and sex.

Quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia: associations with bone microarchitecture and nutritional status

PURPOSE

Primary aim of the study was to investigate the status of different health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia, and to explore possible associations with bone microarchitecture and nutritional status.

METHODS

This was a single-center cross-sectional study that included 232 postmenopausal women, from which they were divided into three groups-osteoporosis (OP, N = 63), osteopenia (OPIA, N = 123), and control group (N = 46). Detailed medical history data and anthropometric measurements were taken from all women. Bone structure parameters were taken with DXA device, with additional analysis of bone microarchitecture status with Trabecular Bone Score (TBS). Nutritional status was assessed with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, and HRQoL with Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nutrition evaluation analysis have shown that patients in OP group had significantly lower values of MNA score compared to the OPIA group and control group (P = 0.005). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between all of the SF-36 domains and MNA scores, while significant positive correlation was found between TBS values and Physical functioning (P < 0.001), Bodily pain (P = 0.027), Social functioning (P = 0.029), and Vitality domains (P = 0.041) in total investigated population. Further analyses were performed only in OP and OPIA groups, and TBS score showed significant positive correlation with Physical functioning (r = 0.248, P < 0.001) and Bodily pain domains as well (r = 0.180, P = 0.014), while MNA score positively correlated with each of the SF-36 domains. Multiple regression models have shown that MNA score retained significant association with each SF-36 domains, and TBS value with Physical functioning (P = 0.003), Social functioning (P = 0.012), and Vitality domains (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the associations that TBS has with some domains of HRQoL in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Moreover, nutritional status could play a role in the complex interplay between TBS and HRQoL.

Lower preoperative Hounsfield unit values as a risk factor for poor 5-year clinical outcomes after lumbar spine surgery

OBJECTIVE

Hounsfield Unit (HU) value has been associated with future osteoporotic fractures and postoperative complications. However, no studies on the impact of low HU values on mid-term clinical outcomes following lumbar spine surgery have been reported. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative HU values for 5-year clinical outcomes following lumbar spine surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled 200 patients who underwent lumbar surgery (≤ 3-disc levels) for lumbar spinal stenosis. HU values were assessed using preoperative lumbar computed tomography as part of routine preoperative planning for lumbar surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the cutoff value of the HU values obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve for the incidence of vertebral fractures within five years postoperatively. Clinical scores preoperatively and 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively, including Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) and Short Form-36 (SF-36), were compared using a mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis indicated that all domains of JOABPEQ, except for lumbar function, and the physical component summary of the SF-36 were significantly worse in the low HU group than in the high HU group. Using multiple regression analysis, low HU values were significantly correlated with worse 5-year postoperative scores in all domains of JOABPEQ and SF-36.

CONCLUSION

Low preoperative HU values are a risk factor for poor 5-year clinical outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. HU values are not only a valuable tool for analyzing bone mineral density but also may be a valuable poor prognostic factor of postoperative clinical outcomes.

Prevalence of global spinal malalignment and the influence on LBP and HR-QOL in a healthy, nonelderly population. A cross sectional analysis, including bone mineral density, skeletal muscle mass index, and back muscle extensor strength

Background

In healthy, nonelderly populations, prevalence of 3 modifiers of global spinal malalignment (GS-MalAlign) (PT ≧20°, PI-LL≧10°, SVA≧40 mm) remains unknown. The clinical significance has not been determined. The purposes are to disclose the prevalence of the 3 modifiers of GS-MalAlign, and evaluate the influence on LBP, and HR-QOL related to bone mineral density (BMD), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and back muscle extensors strength (BMES) in a healthy, nonelderly population.

Methods

A mono-centric, cross-sectional survey. Three hundred and 2 participants (18< age <65 years) without ADL disturbance were consecutively enrolled. Sagittal parameters of the spine and the pelvis were measure on whole spine radiograms. BMD and SMI were determined using DEXA. BMES was defined as a maximum extension force at the T4 to T7 level and measured by a strain-gauge dynamotor. LBP was checked through interview. HR-QOL was ascertained by score of Medical Outcome Study Short-Form 36-Health Survey (SF-36v2).

Results

The final analysis could be done in 84 females and 179 males. PT≧20°, PI-LL≧10°, and SVA≧40 mm were found in 12% (31/263), 11% (31/263), and 6% (16/263), and each mean value was 25.0 ± 4.0°, 15.3 ± 5.9°, and 52.7 ± 12.2 mm (Mean ± S.D.). Prevalence of LBP was significantly higher in the participants with PI-LL≧10° than with PI-LL<10°; 43% (12/28) versus 21% (49/235) (p<.05). PI-LL≧10° only had an association with LBP (OR: 3.0435, 95% CI, 1.1378-8.141, p<.05). Four 2% of participants (4/263) associated with all 3 modifiers had LBP and a significantly lower mental component summary score of SF-36v2 (p<.05).

Conclusions

Some of individuals are associated with GS-MalAlign even in healthy, nonelderly populations. There is a possibility that PI-LL ≧10° results in LBP within a degree of no ADL disturbance, and it is speculated that coexistence of all 3 modifiers of GS-MalAlign would lead to a poor mental HR-QOL.

Measuring Muscle Activity in the Trunk, Pelvis, and Lower Limb Which Are Used to Maintain Standing Posture in Patients With Adult Spinal Deformity, With Focus on Muscles that Contract in the Compensatory Status

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective single-center study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the muscle activity of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limb, which are used to maintain a standing posture in elderly patients with spinal deformities. We also elucidated the mechanism of compensation against spinal deformity in terms of muscle activity.

METHODS

Any patient scheduled to undergo surgery for adult spinal deformity was included. Surface electromyography and radiography were performed preoperatively. The following four representative alignments were defined as compensations: 1. pelvic retroversion, 2. reduction in thoracic kyphosis, 3. hyperextension of the lumbosacral junction, and 4. knee flexion. Individual muscle activity was compared with and without compensation. The patients were stratified into three groups according to the severity of spinal compensation, and differences in muscle activity were compared.

RESULTS

This study included 76 patients (7 men and 69 women, average age 69.4 years). Our results revealed that pelvic retroversion and knee flexion were compensations that required trunk muscle activity. In contrast, reduction of thoracic kyphosis and hyperextension of the lumbosacral junction did not require much trunk muscle activity. There was a significant difference in the muscle activity of the pelvis and lower limbs according to the severity of the deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of muscle activity, compensation for regional alignment changes in the adjacent spine is economical. However, extra-spinal compensations, such as pelvic retroversion and knee flexion, are non-economical. According to compensation recruitment, the muscle activity of the pelvis and lower limbs increased with the severity of the spinal deformity.

Health-related quality of life of men with primary osteoporosis and its changes after bisphosphonates treatment

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis leads to more serious consequences in men than in women, but less is known about its impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of men, and whether the anti-osteoporosis treatment can improve HRQoL of men with osteopenia/osteoprosis.

METHODS

We enrolled men with primary osteoporosis and age-matched healthy controls. We collected medical history, serum levels of carboxyl-terminal type I collagen telopeptide, procollagen type I propeptides, and bone mineral density of patients. All patients and controls completed the short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires. Changes in HRQoL of osteopenia/osteoporosis men were prospectively evaluated after alendronate or zoledronic acid treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 100 men with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia and 100 healthy men were included. The patients were divided into three subgroups: osteopenia (n = 35), osteoporosis (n = 39) and severe osteoporosis (n = 26). Men with osteoporosis or severe osteoporosis had impaired HRQoL in domains of physical health compared to healthy controls. HRQoL scores in physical health related domains of patients with severe osteoporosis were significantly lower compared to healthy controls, and were the poorest among the three subgroups of patients. Fragility fracture history was correlated with lower SF-36 scores about physical health. In 34 men with newly diagnosed osteoporosis receiving bisphosphonates treatment, HRQoL scores were significantly improved in domains of physical health after treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The HRQoL is significantly impaired in men with osteoporosis, and the more severe the osteoporosis, the poorer the HRQoL. Fragility fracture is an important influencing factor of deteriorated HRQoL. Bisphosphonates treatment is beneficial to improve HRQoL of osteopenia/osteoporosis men.

Sagittal alignment cut-off values for predicting future fall-related fractures in community-dwelling osteoporotic women

PURPOSE

Determining the optimal cut-off value of sagittal alignment for detecting osteoporotic patients at high risk for fall-related fractures is essential for understanding fracture risk and informing clinicians and physical therapists. We determined the optimal cut-off value of sagittal alignment for detecting osteoporotic patients at high risk for fall-related fractures in this study.

METHODS

In the retrospective cohort study, we enrolled a total of 255 women aged ≥ 65 years who visited an outpatient osteoporosis clinic. We measured participants' bone mineral density and sagittal alignment, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, global tilt, and gap score at the initial visit. The cut-off value for sagittal alignment that was significantly associated with fall-related fractures was calculated after using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 192 patients were included in the analysis. After a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, 12.0% (n = 23) had fractures due to falls. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that SVA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.022, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.005-1.039) was the only independent predictor of fall-related fracture occurrence. The predictive ability of SVA for the occurrence of fall-related fractures was moderate (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.728, 95% CI = 0.623-0.834), with a cut-off value of 100 mm for SVA. SVA classified by cut-off value was also associated with an increased risk of developing fall-related fractures (HR = 17.002, 95% CI = 4.102-70.475).

CONCLUSION

We found that assessing the cut-off value of sagittal alignment would be useful information in understanding fracture risk in postmenopausal older women.

Sacroiliac joint degeneration in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and related risk factors: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to evaluate the degree of radiological sacroiliac joint (SIJ) degeneration in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). The related risk factors for SIJ degeneration were also investigated.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the lumbar and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans of 303 patients with DLS admitted from January 2018 to December 2021. One hundred and fifty-six age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched patients without lumbar anomality who underwent lower abdominal or pelvic computed tomography scans were included in the control group. Sagittal parameters were measured on full-length lateral radiographs. Two protocols (Backlund's grade and Eno's classification) were used to assess SIJ degeneration. Univariate analysis and bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify the factors affecting SIJ degeneration in patients with DLS.

RESULTS

According to Backlund's grade and Eno's classification, SIJ degeneration was more severe in the DLS group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Multi-segment degenerative changes (P = 0.032), two-level DLS (P = 0.033), a history of hysterectomy (P < 0.001), lower extremity pain (P = 0.016), and pelvic pain (P = 0.013) were associated with more significant SIJ degeneration as assessed by Backlund's grade. The results of Pearson's correlation analysis showed positive correlation between the sagittal vertical axis and SIJ degeneration (r = 0.232, P = 0.009). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that a history of hysterectomy was significantly correlated with SIJ degeneration in patients with DLS (r = 1.951, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

SIJ degeneration was more severe in patients with than without DLS. We should take SIJ degeneration into consideration when diagnosing and treating DLS especially those who had undergone previous hysterectomy or showed sagittal malalignment.

Sagittal alignment cut-off values for predicting future fall-related fractures in community-dwelling osteoporotic women

PURPOSE

Determining the optimal cut-off value of sagittal alignment for detecting osteoporotic patients at high risk for fall-related fractures is essential for understanding fracture risk and informing clinicians and physical therapists. We determined the optimal cut-off value of sagittal alignment for detecting osteoporotic patients at high risk for fall-related fractures in this study.

METHODS

In the retrospective cohort study, we enrolled a total of 255 women aged ≥ 65 years who visited an outpatient osteoporosis clinic. We measured participants' bone mineral density and sagittal alignment, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, global tilt, and gap score at the initial visit. The cut-off value for sagittal alignment that was significantly associated with fall-related fractures was calculated after using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 192 patients were included in the analysis. After a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, 12.0% (n = 23) had fractures due to falls. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that SVA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.022, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.005-1.039) was the only independent predictor of fall-related fracture occurrence. The predictive ability of SVA for the occurrence of fall-related fractures was moderate (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.728, 95% CI = 0.623-0.834), with a cut-off value of 100 mm for SVA. SVA classified by cut-off value was also associated with an increased risk of developing fall-related fractures (HR = 17.002, 95% CI = 4.102-70.475).

CONCLUSION

We found that assessing the cut-off value of sagittal alignment would be useful information in understanding fracture risk in postmenopausal older women.

Quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Postmenopausal osteoporosis has become a global trend, which seriously affects women's quality of life. However, the differences remain unclear in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among postmenopausal women with normal bone mineral density, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures. The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life in women with three different bone states.

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were based on the search terms, and the search time was set from the inception of each database to January 2022. A study was included if the researchers used a validated quality of life questionnaire to investigate the quality of life of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures. The random-effect model was used for meta-analysis, and the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, involving 2897 postmenopausal women, and 12 of them were included in the meta-analysis. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had worse overall HRQoL and different HRQoL dimensions compared with postmenopausal women with normal bone density. Compared with postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures had worse overall HRQoL and individual dimensions of HRQoL, especially physical component summary (SMD = - 0.61, 95% CI, - 0.98 to - 0.24). Bone mineral density was positively associated with HRQoL, while fragility fracture severity was negatively associated with HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmenopausal osteoporosis and fragility fractures reduce HRQoL to varying degrees in women. More research should be done to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Associations between Abdominal Trunk Muscle Weakness and Future Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Middle-Aged and Older Adult Women: A Three-Year Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Potential risk factors associated with future osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) were prospectively investigated in middle-aged and older adult women. We enrolled 197 female patients aged ≥50 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery for lower-extremity degenerative diseases. Patient anthropometric and muscle strength measurements, a bone mineral density measurement of the lumbar spine (L-BMD), and full-spine standing radiographs to examine the presence of old OVFs and spinopelvic sagittal parameters were obtained preoperatively. We evaluated 141 patients who underwent full-spine standing radiographs three years postoperatively to identify new OVFs. We excluded 54 patients who did not undergo a second radiographic examination and 2 with new traumatic OVFs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with new non-traumatic OVF occurrence. Ten (7.1%) patients developed new non-traumatic OVFs during the study period (fracture group). The fracture group had less abdominal trunk muscle strength, lower L-BMD, smaller sacral slopes, and larger pelvic tilt than the non-fracture group. The fracture group showed a higher prevalence of old OVFs preoperatively than the non-fracture group. Abdominal trunk muscle weakness, low L-BMD, and the presence of old OVFs were identified as significant risk factors for OVF occurrence. In middle-aged or older adult women, abdominal trunk muscle weakness, low L-BMD, and old OVFs were associated with future OVF.

Association with sagittal alignment and osteoporosis-related fractures in outpatient women with osteoporosis

The baseline sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and pelvic tilt (PT) are independent risk factors of osteoporosis-related fractures in women with osteoporosis. We clarified the SVA and PT to predict the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures.

PURPOSE

Sagittal alignment with osteoporosis women deteriorates with advancing age and sagittal alignment may indicate osteoporosis-related fractures in the future. However, whether the sagittal alignment predicts future osteoporosis-related fracture in patients with osteoporosis has not been clarified. We aimed to investigate the association between sagittal alignment and future osteoporosis-related fractures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Of the 313 participants (mean follow-up period, 2.9 years), 236 were included in the analysis. At baseline, we measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt (PT), geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS), two-step value, and stand-up test. The information on medications and the duration of treatment were reviewed from the medical records. Additionally, participants reported their history of falls at baseline. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of future osteoporosis-related fracture, and adjusted Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with all predictors as covariates. All continuous variables were calculated using standardized OR (sOR).

RESULTS

Osteoporosis-related fractures occurred in 33 of 313 participants (10.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of falls (OR =4.092, 95% CI: 1.029-16.265, p =0.045), SVA (sOR =4.228, 95% CI: 2.118-8.439, p <0.001), and PT (sOR =2.497, 95% CI: 1.087-5.733, p =0.031) were independent risk factors for future osteoporosis-related fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the SVA and PT to predict osteoporosis-related fractures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION

UMIN000036516 (April 1, 2019).

Quality of Life Outcomes With Creative Arts Therapy in Children With Cancer

Introduction: Children with cancer experience distress and decreased quality of life (QOL). Creative arts therapy (CAT) is a therapeutic modality which may improve QOL. This study examined the relationship between CAT and QOL in children and adolescents with cancer. Secondary aims explored relationships between CAT and emotional reactions, resilience, and posture (to investigate future potential as an objective biomarker of QOL). Methods: Children aged 3-18 years undergoing cancer treatments and a parent proxy completed the PedsQL3.0 Cancer Module, Faces Scale for emotional reactions, Resilience Scale in adolescents (>12 years), and an inclinometer to measure thoracic kyphosis before and after CAT. CAT exposure (number of sessions) was recorded. Results: Ninety-eight children with cancer (mean age 7.8 years, range 3-17) and parent proxy were enrolled. Of the 83 participants included in the final analysis, 18 received no CAT, 32 received low dose, and 33 received high dose CAT. A significant improvement in QOL was seen with high dose CAT in (slope change, p  =  .015), but the overall time by group interaction was not significant. Slope change response patterns suggested that CAT led to improved posture as compared to no CAT (time by group interaction, p  =  .044). Discussion: CAT may be an effective intervention to improve QOL in this population. Because initial evidence suggests that posture also improves with CAT, further investigation of posture as a potential objective biomarker of QOL is supported. Further study with a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Assessment of the importance of physical activity and quality of life for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. Osteoporosis is one of the most important ten diseases worldwide, still causing extreme suffering to patients and huge costs to the health system. The rapid increase of the population 's aging was involved in many aspects of human health, and, among these ones, osteoporosis was one of the main public health issues. The aim of the study was to assess the importance of physical activity and the quality of life in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The study is longitudinal, it was conducted in an outpatient setting for a period of 1 year and it included 20 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. The demographic variables (age, living environment, body mass index) were assessed, and as parameters: pain (VAS scale), fracture risk (FRAX score), quality of life (Qualeffo-41 questionnaire), bone mineral density at the spine and at the femur (DEXA). The patients received pharmacological treatment such as bisphosphonates and underwent physiotherapy for pains: low frequency currents (TENS), ultrasound and physical therapy. Results and discussions. In all the studied cases, it was considered that the pain decreased following the use of the medicinal and physiotherapeutic treatment. This is an expected result given that other studies have shown this. Postmenopausal women in Romania with osteoporosis have a lower HRQoL than healthy controls, measured with the SF-36 instrument and the total QUALEFFO-41 score. Conclusions. The obtained data point out the correlation between bone mineral density, fracture risks and exercises in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. The FRAX score is useful to identify patients who need the combination of drug therapy and exercises to prevent vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in the next 10 years. Keywords: osteoporosis, physical activity, quality of life, COVID-19,

Associations between demographics and quality of life in children in the first year of cancer treatment

Symptom distress and decreased quality of life (QOL) among children with cancer are well documented. Research is emerging on the child's voice in QOL-symptom reports, but existing QOL questionnaires are burdensome and objective biologic markers are lacking. We examined children's symptoms and QOL from parent and child perspectives and compared the results to one biologic marker (body posture). A cross-sectional secondary analysis of prospective data from children receiving creative arts therapy explored potential associations among demographics with and between QOL measures (PedsQL, Faces Scale, posture). Children (n = 98) ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (M = 7.8) and were in the first year of cancer treatment. No significant associations were found among the child's sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), or distance from hospital, and total PedsQL. Older age was associated with worse total PedsQL, pain, nausea, worry, and posture (all P < 0.05). Greater worry (β = 0.51) and worse posture (β = 0.41) were the QOL variables most strongly correlated with older age. Poorer posture was associated with worse child PedsQL (total score, nausea, treatment anxiety, cognitive) and parent PedsQL (pain, nausea). Worse scores on the Faces Scale, PedsQL, and posture were all correlated (r = 0.21-0.39, all P < 0.05). Interventions to improve QOL could target nausea, worry, and older patients. Accuracy and interpretation of symptom distress in children are problematic. The Faces Scale and posture may be suitable, readily obtained measures of QOL in pediatric oncology that hold promise.

Stand-up test predicts occurrence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture in outpatient women with osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the incidence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture among outpatient women with osteoporosis and to determine whether the stand-up test predicted the occurrence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 242 postmenopausal women over 60 years of age who received outpatient osteoporosis treatment at our hospital between November 2013 and July 2020 were longitudinally evaluated in this study. We obtained medical information and radiographic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope at baseline. Additionally, we measured physical parameters, including height, weight, body mass index, lumbar bone mineral density, visual analog scale score for pain, and the stand-up test.

RESULTS

Vertebral fractures occurred in 20 of 242 participants (8.3%), and accounted for 48.8% the 41 total fractures in the study group. Among vertebral fractures, eight (40.0%) were traumatic, resulting from falls, and 12 (60.0%) were non-traumatic. Cox multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, lumbar bone mineral density, and the time to non-traumatic vertebral fracture showed that the sagittal vertical axis (HR = 1.013, 95% CI 1.001-1.026), stand-up test score (HR = 3.977, 95% CI 1.156-13.683), and presence of difficulty with standing from a 20-cm-high seat using both legs (HR = 3.329, 95% CI 1.625-6.82) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of non-traumatic vertebral fracture.

CONCLUSION

The stand-up test may be useful as a simple screening tool for non-traumatic vertebral fracture in patients with osteoporosis.

Relationships Between Spinal Alignment and Muscle Mass in Osteoporosis Patients Over 75 Years of Age Who Were Independent and Maintained Their Activities of Daily Living

Introduction

Elderly patients with osteoporosis often complain of back pain associated with pathological vertebral fractures caused by abnormal spinal alignment. Few reports evaluate the relationships among muscle mass, bone mineral density (BMD), sagittal spinal alignment, and low back pain. We hypothesized that decreasing muscle mass in elderly patients with osteoporosis could cause spinal alignment abnormalities. The aim of the current study were to compare the characteristics between spinal sagittal normal alignment and malalignment and to evaluate the relationships between sagittal spinal alignment and muscle mass in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

Methods

Fifty patients aged 75 years or more (mean age = 80.5 years) with osteoporosis were included in this study. We evaluated the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), the number of vertebral fractures (N of VFs), BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and trunk and skeletal muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance. Low back pain was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Corrected trunk muscle mass (trunk muscle mass index, TMI) and corrected limb muscle mass (skeletal mass index, SMI) also were measured. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison: a ‘normal’ group and a sagittal spinal ‘malalignment’ group. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the relationship between spinal sagittal parameters and muscle mass.

Results

Comparisons between normal and malalignment groups for SVA, N of VFs, BMI, and SMI showed significantly higher in the malalignment group versus the normal group (p < 0.05). N of VFs, BMI, and TMI, for PT, and BMI, TMI, SMI, and ODI scores for PI-LL showed significantly higher in the malalignment group versus the normal group (p < 0.05). There were significantly more vertebral fractures in the malalignment group than in the normal group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences of pure muscle mass between the two groups. When adjusted by BMD and the number of vertebral fractures, SMI and TMI were positively correlated to PI-LL and SVA (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Elderly patients with osteoporosis and a sagittal spinal malalignment had more vertebral fractures and a higher risk of low back pain than patients with normal spinal alignment. Patients with a sagittal spinal malalignment who were independent and maintained their activities of daily living (ADL) showed high BMI and maintained muscle mass, independent of BMD and the N of VFs, contrary to our hypothesis. 

The development of a reliable and valid instrument to measure the osteoporosis-related knowledge: validation of the Hungarian version of Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT)

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is one of the most common chronic musculoskeletal diseases. Osteoporosis-related knowledge is an important contributor in to prevent osteoporosis. There is no validated reliable questionnaire to measure the knowledge in Hungary. The aim of the study was to validate the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) Hungarian version.

METHODS

The research was a randomized validation study of a new Hungarian language instrument. The questionnaire was administered to 557 randomly selected healthy women (age between 25 and 44 years) from December 2018 to July 2019 in Baranya county, Hungary. The reliability was examined by the Flesch reading ease and McNemar's test. We examined item discrimination and item-total correlations, inter-item consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and principal component factor analysis.

RESULTS

Significant differences (p <  0.001) were reported between total scores and the age categories. Significant (p <  0.001) correlation (r = 0.25) was found between the education level and the knowledge. Significantly (p <  0.001) higher knowledge were found in health care profession (14.53 ± 3.58) than the non-health care profession (9.99 ± 4.04). Participants with osteoporosis or fracture in family history had better knowledge (p <  0.001). Flesch reading ease was 44, the questionnaire had a Ferguson's sigma of 0.94 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. There were no negative inter-item correlations psychometric properties of the OKAT, all items had more than 70% of correlations (p <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Hungarian version of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool is a reliable and objective questionnaire to measure women's knowledge in Hungary.

Impact of appendicular and trunk skeletal muscle mass and back extensor strength on sagittal spinal alignment in Japanese women without vertebral fracture

Objectives

Progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and strength are characteristics of sarcopenia. However, the impact of appendicular and trunk SMM and back extensor strength (BES) on spinal sagittal alignment remains unclear. Herein, we investigate the relationship between these factors and spinal sagittal alignment.

Methods

In total, 202 women without vertebral fractures (median age, 66.9 years; interquartile range, 61.4–71.9 years) were analyzed at an orthopedic outpatient clinic. Pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured on whole spine radiographs. Body mass index (BMI), appendicular and trunk relative SMM index, and BES were also evaluated. These measurements were compared between spinal sagittal alignment groups using the Mann–Whitney U test. Finally, the factors contributing to abnormal alignment were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

BES was significantly lower in all abnormal sagittal alignment groups, as defined by PI-LL (≥ 10°), SVA (≥4 cm), and PT (≥20°) (all P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, BES was a contributing factor for abnormal PI-LL (P < 0.001), SVA (P = 0.001), and PT (P < 0.001). Conversely, a decrease in appendicular and trunk relative SMM index did not statistically affect abnormal spinal sagittal alignment.

Conclusions

BES was associated with changes in spinal sagittal alignment; however, SMM, which is often used for diagnosing sarcopenia, did not affect spinal sagittal alignment.

Effect of eldecalcitol on muscle function and fall prevention in Japanese postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUD

Exercises and vitamin D interventions have shown to improve muscle function and balance, and prevent falls in postmenopausal healthy women and in patients with osteoporosis. However, the effects of eldecalcitol on these factors remain undetermined. The present open-label, randomized, controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of eldecalcitol treatment in reducing falls in postmenopausal women, and improving muscle function and balance.

METHODS

The study population included 226 Japanese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Patients were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of treatment with or without eldecalcitol (0.75 μg/day). Treatment continued for 6 months. Participants in both groups were instructed to perform back extensor muscle exercise. Isometric back extensor and leg extensor strength, grip power, ten-meter walking speed, timed up and go test and time of single leg standing were measured at baseline and 24 weeks. Patients were asked to record the number of falls during the 24-week period.

RESULTS

The percentage increase in average bilateral quadriceps muscle strength was significantly higher in the eldecalcitol group compared with the non-eldecalcitol group (right, p = 0.041; left, p = 0.042). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the strength of back muscles and grip power and the parameters of balance and walking abilities between the groups. There was no significant difference in the number of falls between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A 24-week intervention of eldecalcitol improves the strength of the quadriceps muscles in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. However, eldecalcitol neither improve balance and walking abilities nor reduce the number of falls.

Relationship between lumbopelvic discordance and locomotive syndrome in a middle-aged community-living population: The Yakumo study

BACKGROUND

Locomotive syndrome (LS) affects the quality and activities of daily living. Although spinal sagittal balance influences LS, no report elucidated the relationship between LS risk and lumbopelvic discordance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lumbopelvic discordance and LS in a middle-aged community.

METHODS

The subjects (n = 135) were divided into three groups based on the LS risk stage, which was evaluated through spinopelvic sagittal alignment and lumbopelvic mismatch prevalence (Pelvic incidence-Lumbar lordosis >10°:PI-LL mismatch).Then, the subjects were divided into two groups (lumbopelvic matched and mismatched groups) and analyzed based on the demographic data, physical test, stabilometry, and body pain using the visual analog scale.

RESULTS

There were 76, 37 and 22 subjects in stages 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatched group had a higher prevalence in LS risk stage 2 than in LS risk stage 0. The prevalence of PI-LL mismatch was significantly different among the groups. Post hoc test revealed the differences in spinopelvic alignment among the stages. In each LS risk stage, the degree of PI-LL was significantly higher in stage 2 than that in stages 0 and 1. On comparing the PI-LL matched (n = 67) and mismatched groups (n = 68) with a stabilometer, the envelopment area tracing by the movement of the center of pressure and locus length/second was greater in the PI-LL mismatched group than that in the PI-LL matched group with/without eyes opened.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of LS risk stage 2 was more frequently observed in the PI-LL mismatched group. The degree of PI-LL was evaluated through the LS risk stages. Physical dysfunction in the PI-LL mismatched group was related to trunk imbalance based on stabilometry. These findings will help manage LS and PI-LL mismatched subjects.

Influence of Sarcopenia on the Effect of Exercise Therapy for Elderly Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Introduction

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by decreased skeletal muscle mass, has increasingly been attracting attention in Japan, which has an aged society. The association between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and muscle mass is important. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise therapy for CLBP with or without sarcopenia.

Methods

This study was a prospective cohort study. Patients who were aged >65 years during 2017-2018 and had CLBP, with pain lasting >12 weeks and pain intensity being ≥3, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: sarcopenia (S) and nonsarcopenia (NS) groups. The numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), trunk muscle strength, a European Quality of Life instrument, and an NRS of treatment satisfaction were assessed. All patients underwent a high-intensity exercise therapy during 2 weeks of hospitalization and were followed up for 1 and 3 months.

Results

Twenty-eight patients with CLBP were included. The prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 42.9%. The NRS and RMDQ scores and gait function were clinically improved at the end points in all patients with or without sarcopenia. Moreover, high treatment satisfaction was achieved. The quality of life, treatment satisfaction, psychological disorder subscale score of the JOABPEQ, and HADS score tended to be lower in the S group than in the NS group.

Conclusions

Our short-term exercise therapy was effective for low back pain, disability, and gait disturbance in elderly patients with CLBP with or without sarcopenia. However, the prevalence of sarcopenia was high in elderly patients with CLBP. Although low back pain and disability in patients in the S group were improved by exercise therapy, their quality of life and treatment satisfaction might be lower than those of patients without sarcopenia.

Correlation between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and abdominal trunk muscle strength in middle-aged and older women

We investigated the correlation between abdominal trunk muscle strength and spinal deformities in middle-aged and older women. The results indicated that abdominal trunk muscle weakness, older age, and low lumbar bone mineral density were significant risk factors associated with the presence of OVFs in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

PURPOSE

We developed an innovative exercise device for the abdominal trunk muscles that also measures muscle strength. We investigated the correlation between the strength and thoracolumbar spinal deformity in middle-aged and older women.

METHODS

This study included 206 consecutive female patients who were 50 years or older and scheduled to undergo surgery for degenerative diseases of the lower extremities. Patients with a history of symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) requiring treatments were excluded. Before surgery, patients underwent physical measurements including abdominal trunk muscle strength using our device, full-spine standing radiography, and bone mineral density measurement of the lumbar spine (L-BMD). According to radiographic findings of the radiogram, patients were divided into four groups: control group (n = 134), listhesis group (n = 29), scoliosis group (n = 19), and fracture group (n = 24). The Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test was used to compare all measurements among the four groups. To identify factors associated with the presence of OVFs, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The average abdominal trunk muscle strength in the fracture group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The multivariate analysis revealed that abdominal trunk muscle weakness, older age, and a low L-BMD were associated with OVF findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal trunk muscle weakness in middle-aged and older women was associated with OVF. The strength measurement can be a risk assessment of OVF.

Grip Strength: An Indispensable Biomarker For Older Adults

Grip strength has been proposed as a biomarker. Supporting this proposition, evidence is provided herein that shows grip strength is largely consistent as an explanator of concurrent overall strength, upper limb function, bone mineral density, fractures, falls, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, depression, sleep problems, diabetes, multimorbidity, and quality of life. Evidence is also provided for a predictive link between grip strength and all-cause and disease-specific mortality, future function, bone mineral density, fractures, cognition and depression, and problems associated with hospitalization. Consequently, the routine use of grip strength can be recommended as a stand-alone measurement or as a component of a small battery of measurements for identifying older adults at risk of poor health status.

The influence of antiresorptive bone medication on the effect of high-intensity resistance and impact training on osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women with low bone mass: protocol for the MEDEX-OP randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Antiresorptive medications increase bone density and decrease vertebral fracture, while high-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) increases balance, bone and muscle strength decreasing risk for falls and fractures. Medications are typically prescribed by doctors and exercise by exercise specialists, frequently in isolation.

OBJECTIVE

Our primary aim is to determine the effect of an 8-month HiRIT programme with or without osteoporosis medications on bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and hip in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

One hundred and sixty postmenopausal women with low bone mass will be recruited from the community to participate in an 8-month randomised controlled trial. Participants will be on stable doses of antiresorptive bone medication for at least 12 months (n=80) or have not taken bone medications for at least 12 months (n=80). Participants will be block randomised, stratified by medication intake, to twice-weekly 40-min supervised sessions of HiRIT or a low-intensity exercise programme (control). Primary outcomes include change in lumbar spine and total hip areal bone mineral density. Secondary outcomes include whole body, femoral neck and forearm BMD, proximal femur bone geometry and volumetric density, vertebral morphology, body composition, anthropometry, physical function, posture, rate of falls, osteoarthritis symptoms, pelvic floor health, quality of life, physical activity enjoyment, resting blood pressure, safety and compliance. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 8 months and intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be conducted. Repeated measure analysis of covariance will be used to determine intervention effects on outcome measures, controlling for initial values, compliance and other variables found to differ between groups at baseline.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 2017/739). Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617001511325).

Physical Condition Factors that Predict a Better Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia

What physical qualities can predict the quality of life (QoL) in women with fibromyalgia (FM)? QoL is a very complex outcome affected by multiple comorbidities in people with fibromyalgia. This study aims to determine which physical qualities can predict the quality of life in women with FM. Also, a comparison between the physical qualities of women with FM and healthy counterparts was conducted. In total, 223 women participated in this cross-sectional study, 123 with FM, with ages ranging between 45 and 70 years. The study was conducted at several fibromyalgia associations and specialized medical units. QoL was measured as the main outcome. In addition, functional capacity, muscular strength, maintenance of thoracic posture, postural control, flexibility, pain threshold, and anxiety were measured. Prediction of the QoL was conducted with multiple linear regression analysis and comparison between groups, using the Mann–Whitney U test. There were significant differences between groups in all the variables measured (p < 0.01). The multiple linear regression model showed that factors influencing QoL in women with FM for all the variables measured were functional capacity, handgrip strength and bicep strength, maintenance of thoracic posture, pain threshold, and anxiety (R² = 0.53, p < 0.05). To conclude, women with FM show a significantly lower QoL than their healthy counterparts, and the factors that predict their perceived QoL are functional capacity, muscular strength, postural maintenance, pain threshold, and anxiety.

Assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs): treatment satisfaction, medication adherence, and quality of life (QoL) and the associated factors in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) patients in Korea

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide practical guides for treatment; however, studies that have evaluated PROs of women in Korea with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are lacking. This cross-sectional, multi-center (29 nationwide hospitals) study, performed from March 2013 to July 2014, aimed to assess PROs related to treatment satisfaction, medication adherence, and quality of life (QoL) in Korean PMO women using osteoporosis medication for prevention/treatment. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, PROs, and experience using medication were collected. The 14-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) (score-range, 0-100; domains: effectiveness, side effects, convenience, global satisfaction), Osteoporosis-Specific Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (OS-MMAS) (score-range, 0-8), and EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire (index score range, - 0.22 to 1.0; EuroQol visual analog scale score range, 0-100) were used. To investigate factors associated with PROs, linear (treatment satisfaction/QoL) or logistic (medication adherence) regression analyses were conducted. A total of 1804 patients (age, 62 years) were investigated; 60.1% used bisphosphonate, with the majority (67.2%) using weekly medication, 27.8% used daily hormone replacement therapy, and 12.1% used daily selective estrogen receptor modulator. Several patients reported gastrointestinal (GI) events (31.6%) and dental visits due to problems (24.1%) while using medication. Factors associated with the highest OS-MMAS domain scores were convenience and global satisfaction. GI events were associated with non-adherence. TSQM scores for effectiveness, side effects, and GI risk factors were significantly associated with QoL. Our study elaborately assessed the factors associated with PROs of Korean PMO women. Based on our findings, appropriate treatment-related adjustments such as frequency/choice of medications and GI risk management may improve PROs.

Changes of upright body posture in the sagittal plane of men and women occurring with aging - a cross sectional study

Background

Body posture is a fundamental indicator for assessing health and quality of life, especially for elderly people. Deciphering the changes in body posture occurring with age is a current topic in the field of geriatrics. The aims of this study were to assess the parameters of standing body posture in the global sagittal plane and to determine the dynamics of changes in standing body posture occurring with age and differences between men and women.

Methods

The measurements were performed on 226 individuals between the ages of 20 to 89 with a new photogrammetry, via which we assessed five postural angles - neck, thorax, waist, hip and knee. The data were analyzed with t-test, one-way ANOVA, linear regression model and generalized additive model.

Results

Among these segments studied here, neck changed most, while the middle segments of the body, waist and hip, were relative stable. Significant differences between men and women were found with respect to the angles of neck, thorax and hip. Three of the five postural angles were significantly influenced with aging, including increasing cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and knee flexion, starting from no older than around 50 yrs. showed by fitting curve derived with generalized additive model. These changes were more marked among women. Besides, this study highlights the effects of age and gender on the complex interrelation between adjacent body segments in standing.

Conclusions

The presented results showed changes in the parameters describing body posture throughout consecutive ages and emphasized that for an individualized functional analysis, it is essential to consider age-and gender-specific changes in the neck, thorax and knee. This paper presents useful externally generalizable information not only for clinical purposes but also to inform further research on larger numbers of subjects.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-019-1096-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.