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

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.