Thoracic Hyperkyphosis Research Articles

Evaluation of radiological indices of the spine and pelvis ratios in children with a severe form of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is one of the most severe diseases of the hip joint in children and is characterized by the displacement of the proximal femoral epiphysis, occurring as a result of a decrease in the mechanical strength of its growth plate. Some pathological processes in the hip joints and lumbosacral spine cause changes in the position (vergence) of the pelvis in the sagittal plane and the development of degenerative dystrophic diseases. The analysis of the spinepelvis relationships in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis may provide the basis for the development of new approaches to the surgical correction of the deformity of the hip component of the affected joint.
 AIM: To assess the radiological parameters of the frontal and sagittal spinepelvis relations in children with proximal femur deformity in slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients (30 hips) aged 1114 years with a severe form of slipped capital femoral epiphysis characterized by the presence of a posterior displacement of the epiphysis of 60 combined with the downward displacement of no more than 10 in one of the joints and absence of displacement (pre-slip stage) in the other. Patients underwent clinical and radiological examinations. The radiographs taken in the standing position were used to assess the values of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and spinesacral angle (SSA). The obtained data were subjected to statistical processing.
 RESULTS: The patients had pelvic retroversion (decreased values of the PI and SS indices and increased PT index) and formed hypolordotic type of vertical posture according to P. Roussouly classification. In addition, thoracic hyperkyphosis occurred, and the SVA shifted to the front, which can be considered a mechanism of trunk balance compensation for the existing pelvic retroversion and reduction of lumbar lordosis to maintain the ability to move in an upright position.
 CONCLUSIONS: Children with this severe form of slipped capital femoral epiphysis are characterized by pelvic retroversion, decreased lumbar lordosis and increased thoracic kyphosis, positive trunk imbalance, and PT toward the affected limb. Planning and reconstructive restorative interventions on the affected hip joint should consider existing pathological changes to restore the correct spinepelvis relationships and prevent degenerative dystrophic processes in the lumbosacral spine.

The Effects of Spinomed Orthosis on Balance and Walking Performance in Elderly People with Thoracic Hyperkyphosis

Background: Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the common conditions that cause balance and walking impairments in the elderly. The use of Spinomed orthosis is an effective treatment approach for hyperkyphosis, but unfortunately, there is little evidence to support its effect on the balance and walking parameters of elderly people with thoracic hyperkyphosis. 
 Aim: This study was planned to investigate the effect of the Spinomed orthosis on balance and walking parameters comprehensively.
 Method: Thirty-four volunteer elderly people with thoracic kyphosis greater than 40° were recruited for this study. All participants were asked to wear the Spinomed orthosis for 1.5 h to get used to them. Postural stability, limits of stability, and modified-Clinical Test of Sensory Organization were assessed using Biodex Balance System while walking parameters were assessed using the G-Walk system with and without orthosis. 
 Results: There was a significant improvement in all balance parameters with Spinomed orthosis (p

Effects of Combined Exercise Program on Spinal Curvature and Balance Ability in Adolescents with Kyphosis.

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is associated with postural abnormality, physical function, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of a combined exercise program on the spinal curvature and balance ability in adolescents with kyphosis. Fifty-one adolescents (mean age 21.95 ± 3.90 year, 23 male and 28 female) diagnosed with kyphosis were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 26). All participants in the study group underwent a combined exercise program for 60 min, three times per week, for 12 weeks. Cobb's angle and forward head angle showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). The anterior and posterior weight distributions of static and dynamic plantar foot pressures showed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001), and significant differences were observed only in the study group (p < 0.001). However, the left and right static plantar foot pressures did not differ significantly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a combined exercise program is an effective intervention for the improvement of alignment in the spinal curve and balance in adolescents with postural kyphosis.

The Effects of Manual Therapy and Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Parameters in Young Adults with Postural Problems: A Randomized Trial

Objective: It was aimed to compare the effects of manual therapy (MT) and Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) on respiratory functions and postural problems of young adults in this study.
 Material-Method: Thirty-five volunteers were randomly allocated into IMT and MT groups. All participants received twenty minutes of IMT twice a week for four weeks. Eight sessions of manual therapy were applied to the MT group in addition to IMT. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), forward head posture (FHP), and thoracic hyperkyphosis were evaluated before and after the treatments.
 Results: Although there were significant improvements in the FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEF scores of the MT group (p0.05). The comparisons of post-treatment scores of the FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEF between the groups revealed greater improvements in the MT group than IMT group (p

Evaluation of Respiratory Rehabilitation in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (spondylos = vertebra, ankylos = curved) is an inflammatory disease with predominant axial skeletal involvement and obligatory sacroiliac joint involvement, capable of affecting, with varying frequency and severity, peripheral joints and may also have extra-articular determinations. The main motivation of this study is the desire to demonstrate that there is a close relationship between respiratory muscle performance and exercise capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The methodological approach of the study consisted of a group of 21 patients. Statistical analysis was based on patient characteristics such as age, weight, height, body mass index, and thoracic expansion was measured. For the correct individualization of rehabilitation programs, the clinical form (with thoracic hyperkyphosis or straight spine), the age of the disease, the peripheral joints affected, the stage of injury, the degree of reducibility of the vicious attitudes, the impairment of thoracic breathing, the type of occupational spinal demands, the general condition and associated diseases will be taken into account. The results obtained proved that the application of respiratory physiotherapy procedures, based on the diagnosis, needs and limitations of the patients, correlated with tests to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the recovery process, shows an increase in abdominal muscle strength that is not statistically significant. The 2-week rehabilitation cure is insufficient to modulate respiratory function and increase respiratory muscle strength. The subjective appreciation given by patients to the cure is due to other physiological changes produced by the rehabilitation cure such as: softening of connective and muscle structures, muscle relaxation.

Reduction of Thoracic Hyper-Kyphosis Improves Short and Long Term Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigates thoracic hyper kyphosis (THK) rehabilitation using the Denneroll™ thoracic traction orthosis (DTTO). Eighty participants, with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) and THK were randomly assigned to the control or intervention group (IG). Both groups received the multimodal program; IG received the DTTO. Outcomes included formetric thoracic kyphotic angle ICT—ITL, neck pain and disability (NDI), head repositioning accuracy (HRA), smooth pursuit neck torsion test (SPNT) and overall stability index (OSI). Measures were assessed at baseline, after 30 treatment sessions over the course of 10 weeks, and 1-year after cessation of treatment. After 10 weeks, the IG improved more in neck pain intensity (p < 0.0001) and NDI (p < 0.001). No differences were found for SPNT (p = 0.48) and left-sided HRA (p = 0.3). IG improved greater for OSI (p = 0.047) and right sided HRA (p = 0.02). Only the IG improved in THK (p < 0.001). At 1-year follow-up, a regression back to baseline values for the control group was found for pain and disability such that all outcomes favored improvement in the IG receiving the DTTO; all outcomes (p < 0.001). The addition of the DTTO to a multimodal program positively affected CNSNP outcomes at both the short and 1-year follow-up.

Motor Control Changes in Trunk Muscles after Using Anatomical Posture Control Orthosis in the Elderly Hyperkyphotic Subjects

Introduction: Hyperkyphosis is known to interfere with the normal function of the trunk musculature in the elderly. Although the effectiveness of orthoses in improving posture and balance in hyperkyphotic elderly people has received much attention, the effect of an orthosis on motor control of muscles remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate changes in motor control strategies of trunk muscles during walking in elderly hyperkyphotic subjects after using an anatomical posture control (APC) orthosis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 19 elderlies (11 women and 8 men) with thoracic hyperkyphosis of more than 45 degrees were enrolled in the study. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from 6 trunk muscles bilaterally with and without orthosis. The voluntary response index (VRI) was calculated from quantitative analysis of surface electromyography (sEMG) data during level walking in those with and without orthosis. The outcome variables of VRI included the similarity index (SI) and electromyographic magnitude (MAG) of muscle groups. The effects of APC orthosis on trunk motor control were tested using a Wilcoxon non-parametric test. Cohen’s d effect sizes were also calculated.&#x0D; Results: A significant improvement was observed (P&lt;0.05) in MAG and response vector (RV) of five muscles from the right and left sides and the VRI increased significantly after using this posture control orthosis (P&lt;0.05; effect size [ES]: 0.27).&#x0D; Conclusion: Improving trunk motor control after using orthosis, with relatively medium effect sizes, was observed in the elderly with hyperkyphosis during walking.&#x0D;

Multilevel non-contiguous thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy for fixed rounded hyperkyphotic deformity of the thoraco-lumbar junction with anterior bony fusion: technical note

BackgroundFixed severe hyperkyphotic deformities spread over more than five vertebral levels represent a therapeutic challenge, especially when the deformity apex is located at the thoraco-lumbar junction, thus requiring a huge amount of correction. The aim of this article is to describe an innovative all-posterior corrective technique based on multilevel non-contiguous thoracic pedicle subtraction ostoeotomy (PSO).Materials and methodsA retrospective review of three patients with fixed severe thoracic hyperkyphosis (a deformity angle of over 70°) with a thoraco-lumbar apex (between T11 and L1) treated by simultaneous two-level thoracic PSO and thoraco-lumbar posterior fusion was performed. Radiographic and clinical records were evaluated pre-operatively, post-operatively and at last follow-up (after a minimum of 2 years). Each variable was presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation). Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests (P value < 0.05 was considered significant).ResultsThe mean local deformity angle decreased by 75% (from 81.3° ± 2.1° to 20.7° ± 1.4°, p < 0.001), the post-operative thoracic kyphosis decreased by 46% (from 61.4° ± 2.4° to 33.2° ± 0.9°, p < 0.001) and the sagittal vertical axis decreased by 73% (from 14.7 cm ± 0.8 cm to 3.9 cm ± 0.3 cm, p < 0.001). No differences were observed in the radiological results between post-operative values and those at the final follow-up. The average Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score reduced from 65.7 ± 1.8 pre-operatively to 17.3 ± 1.7 at last follow-up (p < 0.001). No neurological, mechanical nor infective complication occurred.ConclusionsThe presented technique, although technically demanding, proved to be a safe and effective alternative for the management of fixed severe thoraco-lumbar junction hyperkyphotic deformities.Level of evidence: IVTRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered

The Efficacy of "Anatomical Posture Control Orthosis" on the Activity of Erector spinae Muscle, Risk of Falling, Balance Confidence, and Walking Speed in Osteoporotic Hyperkyphotic Subjects.

Osteoporosis is a silent and asymptomatic disease that leads to thoracic hyperkyphosis, which can interfere with the normal function of the paraspinal musculature and balance control. There is no evidence regarding the effect of the anatomical posture control (APC) orthosis in older people with osteoporotic thoracic hyperkyphosis. This study aimed to examine the effects of this novel orthosis on the electromyography (EMG) of the erector spinae (ES) and balance control in this group of patients. In total, 22 elderly osteoporotic subjects with thoracic hyperkyphosis were enrolled in this study. The participants used the orthosis for 4 weeks. The clinical balance assessment scales assessing fall risk and surface EMG (sEMG) signals were recorded from the erector spinae muscles bilaterally before and after the use of orthosis. The marginal model was used with the generalized estimating equation analysis for investigating the effect of this orthosis on the sEMG of the paraspinal muscles and the balance control in this longitudinal study. The normalized root mean square of sEMG of the lumbar and thoracic ES muscles reduced significantly (P<0.05), and significant improvement was observed (P<0.05) in the balance control test when the participants used this new-designed orthosis (P<0.05). APC orthosis can decrease the activity of ES muscles during static standing and improve the static and dynamic balance in the hyperkyphotic osteoporotic subjects.

Feasibility of a 4-Week Manual Therapy and Exercise Intervention on Posture and Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a common condition that progresses with aging and has been associated with impaired functional performance, increased risk of falls, and even mortality. Previous studies to improve posture primarily used exercise for durations of 3 months or longer. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of a manual therapy intervention in community-dwelling older adults over a 4-week time frame that is comparable to the typical clinical setting, to test the appropriateness and procedures for the measurement of posture and function in the older population with hyperkyphosis, and to collect preliminary data to describe change in posture and function measures. Twenty-four participants with hyperkyphosis or forward head posture were recruited, and 22 participants completed this pilot study. Feasibility was measured based on attendance, tolerance, safety, and retention. Issues with measurement procedures were recorded. The intervention included manual therapy and exercise 3 times a week for 4 weeks to target spinal and peripheral joint stiffness, muscle lengthening, and muscle activation. Outcomes included height, kyphotic index (KI), Block Test, Acromion to Table (ATT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 5 times sit-to-stand (5XSTS), Functional Reach (FR), 2-minute walk test (2MWT), and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). Data collected at visits 1, 6, and 12 were analyzed using 1-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Measurement and intervention protocols were found to be feasible. A significant effect for the aggregate dependent variables change over time was found. Univariate analysis of each dependent variable showed significance except for FR. All postural measures (height, KI, Block Test, and ATT) significantly improved statistically. The KI and ATT exceed the minimal detectable change for clinical significance. Function showed statistical improvements in the TUG, 5XSTS, 2MWT, and PSFS. Clinical significance was reached with the PSFS. Seven of 9 measures showed a statistically significant change in just 2 weeks. This pilot study suggests that manual therapy and exercise applied to older adults shows promise for improvement in measures of posture and functional performance in a clinically feasible 4-week time frame.

Effect of improved thoracic kyphosis on forward shoulder posture after mobilization in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis

BackgroundThoracic hyperkyphosis structurally alters the position of the scapula to cause forward shoulder posture. However, the effect of improved thoracic hyperkyphosis on forward shoulder posture is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of thoracic mobilization on improving thoracic hyperkyphosis and forward shoulder posture and determine the cutoff change ratio in kyphosis for improving forward shoulder posture using the decision tree method. MethodThis study included 19 participants with thoracic hyperkyphosis who underwent thoracic mobilization for eight weeks. Forward shoulder posture (acromion-to-the-wall index) and thoracic kyphosis were measured before and after thoracic mobilization. FindingsThe intervention significantly improved thoracic kyphosis and forward shoulder posture. The cutoff change ratio in kyphosis for improving forward shoulder posture was >13.79%. In the subgroup analysis of participants with a change ratio of kyphosis >13.79% (seven cases), all patients showed improved forward shoulder posture. In contrast, in the subgroup with a change ratio of kyphosis ≤13.79% (12 cases), eight cases showed improved forward shoulder posture, while four cases showed no improvement. InterpretationThoracic mobilization can be recommended in shoulder rehabilitation programs to improve forward shoulder posture to manage and prevent scapular malalignment in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis. We suggest that a high probability of improvement in forward shoulder posture can be expected when kyphosis is improved by >13.79%.

Short term effect of spinal mobilization with movement (MWM) on pulmonary functions in nonsmokers with thoracic hyperkyphosis: a randomized single-blinded controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the effect of mobilization with movement (MWM) on pulmonary functions in subjects with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Methods This randomized single-blinded controlled trial included a sample of 50 subjects (age 18 − 25 years old) with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups; the Real MWM group (n = 25) which received thoracic MWM plus standard postural correction exercises, and the Sham MWM group (n = 25) which received sham MWM plus standard postural correction exercises. Digital X-ray and handheld spirometer were used to measure selected pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, MVV) respectively. Results Within-group comparisons demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures in both groups. The between-group comparisons demonstrated significant improvement in the MWM compared to the Sham group regarding the value of FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and MVV (P < .05). Conclusion In young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis, MWM plus postural exercise produces better improvements in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and MVV compared to sham MWM plus postural exercise.

The importance of extrinsic and intrinsic compensatory mechanisms to body posture of competitive athletes a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review (qualitative analysis) was to identify the variables of changes induced by extrinsic (sport specific training) and intrinsic (individual anatomical predispositions) compensatory mechanisms that impact on the physiological magnitude of spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane and their deviations in the frontal plane. Furthermore, the aim of the quantitative analysis was to verify and objectivize the impact of these variables on athlete’s body posture. A search of electronic database (PubMed, EBSCO, MEDLINE) was conducted to identify all studies on sports training and athlete’s spine and body posture from 2011 to 2021. In the sagittal plane, the pooled proportion accounted for 44.97% (95% CI 31.22–58.72%) for thoracic hyperkyphosis (TH), 4.98% (95% CI 1.60–8.36%) for lumbar hyperlordosis (hyperLL), and 12.35% (95% CI 1.60–8.36%) for lumbar hypolordosis (hypoLL). Furthermore, in the sagittal plane, the pooled mean of thoracic kyphosis angle was 37.59° (95% CI 34.45–40.73%), whereas lumbar lordosis angle was 29.79° (95% CI 26.46–33.12%). Professional athletes tend to have postural disturbances and/or spinal curvature disorders in the sagittal and frontal planes. The meta-analysis indicated which intrinsic and extrinsic components might induce spinal abnormalities.

Does mobilisation of the thoracic spine using mechanical massage affect diaphragmatic excursion in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis?

BACKGROUND: Thoracic mobilisation improves thoracic hyperkyphosis and respiratory function. Diaphragmatic excursion is associated with respiratory function; however, limited studies have assessed the effect of thoracic mobilisation on diaphragmatic excursion.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of thoracic mobilisation on diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.METHODS: Participants were recruited through Internet advertising and participated voluntarily. Nineteen healthy participants (age: 33.37 6.56 years; height: 170.32 7.92 cm; weight: 69.77 14.70 kg) with thoracic hyperkyphosis underwent thoracic mobilisation for 8 weeks. Diaphragmatic excursion, thoracic kyphosis, and respiratory function were measured. Thoracic mobilisation was provided using a mechanical massage device.RESULTS: Thoracic mobilisation for 8 weeks significantly improved diaphragmatic excursion during deep breathing ( 0.015), forced vital capacity ( 0.01), and thoracic hyperkyphosis ( 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic mobilisation can be recommended in respiratory rehabilitation programs to increase diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function for the management and prevention of respiratory dysfunction in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.

Effects of a Pilates programme in spinal curvatures and hamstring extensibility in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis: a randomised controlled trial

AimTo evaluate the effects of a 9-month Pilates exercise programme on the sagittal spinal posture and hamstring extensibility of adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis.DesignRandomised controlled trial with blinded examiner.PatientsOne-hundred and three...

Effects of a Pilates programme in spinal curvatures and hamstring extensibility in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis: a randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effects of a 9-month Pilates exercise programme on the sagittal spinal posture and hamstring extensibility of adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Randomised controlled trial with blinded examiner. One-hundred and three adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Participants were randomly placed into an experimental group which participated in a Pilates exercise programme implemented for a total of 38 weeks (two sessions/week, 15 min/session) (Pilates group (PG), sample = 49, or control group (CG), sample = 48). The outcome measures were the thoracic curve in sagittal spinal curvature in relaxed standing, sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in relaxed standing and sit-and-reach positions, and hamstring extensibility. There was a significant adjusted mean difference between groups in favour of the PG in the thoracic curve in relaxed standing position (-5.6°, p = 0.003), pelvic tilt (-2.9°, p = 0.03) and all straight leg tests (p<0.001). The PG showed a significant change in thoracic curve (-5.9, p<0.001) and in lumbar angle (4.0, p = 0.001) in relaxed standing position and in all straight leg raise tests (+6.4 to +15°, p<0.0001). The adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis from the PG had a decreased thoracic kyphosis in relaxed standing position, and improved hamstring extensibility as compared with the CG. More than 50% of the participants obtained kyphosis values inside normality, showing an adjusted mean difference between groups in the thoracic curve of about 73% of the baseline mean, resulting in a large improvement and high clinical importance. NCT03831867.

Impairments in trunk muscles performance and proprioception in older adults with hyperkyphosis

ABSTRACT Background and objectives Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common postural deformities in the geriatric population. This study investigated whether trunk proprioception, muscle strength, and endurance differ between older adults with hyperkyphosis and the age-matched control group. This study also aimed to explore the association of kyphotic posture with muscle performance, position sense, and force sense. Methods Ninety-seven elderly volunteers (61 with hyperkyphosis and 36 normal controls) participated in this cross-sectional study. The kyphosis degree, trunk position sense, force sense, back muscle strength, and endurance were assessed in all participants. Results The results showed lower back extensor strength and endurance, also higher force and position sense error in the hyperkyphotic group than the control group. In addition, the findings revealed that back extensor strength and endurance, as well as trunk position sense, were associated with kyphotic posture in older adults. Discussion and Implications This study suggests that back extensor strength and endurance and trunk position sense and force sense are potentially modifiable impairments associated with thoracic kyphosis in older adults with hyperkyphosis. It seems monitoring these potentially contributing factors would be helpful in the assessment and treatment of hyperkyphotic older individuals.

Prevalence of scapular dyskinesis in office workers with neck and scapular pain

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the presence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) in office workers with neck and scapular complaints. The postural malalignment and related muscle adaptations were also explored. Methods. SD and its subtypes were determined. Postural deviations and the length of commonly reported muscle tightness were evaluated. Results. Among 99 participants, 90% of them had SD. Considering both sides or 198 scapula, 90.4% were identified as having painful scapula and 19% as having painless scapula. There was a difference in the proportion of SD on painful (93%) and painless (69%) sides. Postural deviations including rounded shoulder (100%), forward head (43.3%) and thoracic hyperkyphosis (54.5%) were prevalent. Persons with type III SD had a higher percentage of forward head than other types. There was also tightness of the pectoralis minor (100%), levator scapulae (93.0%) and upper trapezius (98.3%) muscles without different proportions among types of SD. The greatest proportion of persons with SD had tightness of the levator scapulae. Conclusions. There was a high prevalence of SD among office workers with neck and scapular complaints. SD was also associated with abnormal posture and muscle tightness. The proper management of SD and working posture is warranted.

Sex differences between the relationship of trunk muscle mass and whole body sagittal plane alignment in older adults

BackgroundThis study aimed to clarify sex differences in the relationship between trunk muscle mass, aging, and whole-body sagittal alignment. MethodsSubjects aged 60–89 years who underwent musculoskeletal screening in 2018 were included in the study. Subject demographics, trunk muscle mass (TMM) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and spinopelvic and lower extremity alignment parameters measured from standing radiographic images were investigated. Additionally, TMM was corrected for BMI (TMM/BMI). The relationship between trunk muscle and whole-body sagittal alignment was analyzed for each age group (young-old group (60–74 years) and old–old group (>75 years)) and sex. ResultsA total of 281 (mean age 75.4 ± 6.7 years, 100 males and 181 females) were enrolled. The trunk muscle mass in both men and women significantly decreased with age. Regarding TMM/BMI, there was no significant difference in men, but there was a significant difference between females in the young-old and old–old groups (p < 0.001). TMM/BMI was significantly correlated with sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and knee flexion angle (KF) in both sexes. In females, TMM/BMI was significantly correlated with thoracic kyphosis in the young-old group, whereas in the old–old group, TMM/BMI was correlated with SVA, PI-LL, and KF. ConclusionsTMM was related to trunk anteverion and lower extremity alignment in both sexes. However, the relationship between TMM on alignment differs between sexes. Thoracic hyperkyphosis in young-old adults indicated a decrease in muscle mass, which may be a sign of future malalignment.

HIPERCIFOSE TORÁCICA NÃO GERA INFLUÊNCIA NO EQUILÍBRIO EM IDOSOS SEDENTÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate and correlate balance and thoracic hyperkyphosis in sedentary elderly people. Methods: 61 elderly, 14 men and 47 women, mean age of 78.03 ± 9.34, mean weight of 67.80 kg ± 12.82, and mean height of 1.58 m ± 0.09. Balance assessment was performed using the Berg Balance Scale, Romberg Test, and Functional Reach Test, and the Flexicurve method was used to detect thoracic hyperkyphosis. The correlation between the variables was performed using the Bivariate correlation test. Results: The values obtained in the tests were: Flexicurve (65.73º ± 10.57), Berg Balance Scale (44.05 points ± 7.58), Functional Reach Test (16.29 cm ± 6.36), and Romberg Test (89% positive, 11% negative). There was no correlation between the Flexicurve method and the Berg Balance Scale (r = -0.22, p = 0.08); with the Romberg Test (r = -0.08, p = 0.52); and the Functional Range Test (r = 0.13 p = 0.31). Conclusion: Thoracic hyperkyphosis did not influence the balance variables in the elderly sample studied. Level of evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test - Test of previously developed diagnostic criteria in consecutive patients (with “gold” reference standard applied).