Comparison of the thoracic kyphosis and the functional capacity of elderly women with and without osteoporosis

Abstract

The vertebral bony mineral density reduction, due to the aging process and aggravated by osteoporosis, determines a reduction on the spine size, with a previous region reduction of the vertebral bodies, resulting in compression and collapse of these vertebras, with a bigger disc constriction and intervertebral spaces. These new conditions interfere at the organs and organism systems normal functioning, what is responsible for the flexibility and mobility reduction. The objective was to evaluate the thoracic kyphosis degree and the functional capacity of elderly women with and without osteoporosis. 30 elderly women were evaluated, being 20 without osteoporosis (average age: 65,1± 4,67) and 10 women with osteoporosis (average age: 68,6 ± 6,46). All of them, initially, were submitted to an evaluation form, from whom personal data were collected. It was also evaluated the thoracic kyphosis measure, a six-minute walking test (6-MWT), a mobility test (TUG) and breathing muscles strength (MIP and MEP). The obtained data were analyzed using the Student t test. The significance level used was of 5% (α <0,05). There was a meaningful difference between the non-osteoporosis (GNO) and the osteoporosis group (GO) and at the 6-MWT (GNO: 426,63±46,36 m; GO: 392,64±36,68 m , α =0,02). The other analyzed variables didn't show any meaningful difference (kyphosis: α = 0,17; TUG: α =0,49; MIP: α =0,45; MEP: α =0,19). Osteoporosis didn't influence the thoracic kyphosis, the breathing muscles strength and nor the elderly women mobility. However, the 6-MWT performance was negatively influenced by osteoporosis.