The Impact of Visual Input and Support Area Manipulation on Postural Control in Subjects after Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture.

Michalina Błażkiewicz,Justyna Kędziorek,Anna Hadamus

doi:10.3390/e23030375

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a prevalent health concern among older adults and is associated with an increased risk of falls that may result in fracture, injury, or even death. Identifying the risk factors for falls and assessing the complexity of postural control within this population is essential for developing effective regimes for fall prevention. The aim of this study was to assess postural control in individuals recovering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures while performing various stability tasks. Seventeen individuals with type II osteoporosis and 17 healthy subjects participated in this study. The study involved maintaining balance while standing barefoot on both feet for 20 s on an Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc. (AMTI) plate, with eyes open, eyes closed, and eyes closed in conjunction with a dual-task. Another three trials lasting 10 s each were undertaken during a single-leg stance under the same conditions. Fall risk was assessed using the Biodex Balance platform. Nonlinear measures were used to assess center of pressure (CoP) dynamics in all trials. Reducing the support area or elimination of the visual control led to increased sample entropy and fractal dimension. Results of the nonlinear measurements indicate that individuals recovering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures are characterized by decreased irregularity, mainly in the medio-lateral direction and reduced complexity.

Highlights

Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and structural deterioration of bone tissue
Skillings–Mack, Table 2 shows the results of the fall risk test (FRT) for the OS group, where 10 subjects obtained very good scores
It should be noted that a high risk of a fall on the Biodex Balance System SD (BBS) platform is not an indicator of the subject’s ability to complete stationary tests

Summary

Introduction

Osteoporosis (porous bone) is a disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and structural deterioration of bone tissue. This condition leads to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. Type I is associated with a loss of estrogen and androgen resulting in increased bone turnover, with bone resorption. Type II presents as gradual age-related bone loss found in both sexes due to systemic senescence. It is induced by the loss of stem-cell precursors, with a predominant loss of cortical bone. Secondary osteoporosis is characterized as having a clearly defined etiologic mechanism (certain disorders or medical treatments)

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