The Relationship of Lumbar Lordosis and Thoracic Kyphosis With Mobility, Balance, and Trunk Stability in Elderly Women at Risk of Falling

This study aims to determine the relationship of mobility performance, balance, and trunk stability with thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in elderly women at risk of falling.

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 30 elderly women over 60 years of age residing in a nursing home in Quchan County, Iran (mean age: 64.7±65.71 years, height: 153.19±53.159 cm, weight: 89.16±32.65 kg), who were selected using a purposive sampling method. The Berg test and the timed up & go test were used to measure the balance of the elderly. The Tinetti test was used to assess their mobility performance. The trunk stability test was used to evaluate their trunk neuromuscular control. A flexible 60-cm ruler was used to measure their kyphosis and lordosis angles. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test in SPSS software, version 22.

The Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative correlation of kyphosis and lordosis angles with static balance and mobility performance of elderly women at risk of falling (P=0.001), indicating that the increase in kyphosis and lordosis angles can lead to a decrease in static balance and mobility in the women. On the other hand, the kyphosis and lordosis angles had a significant positive correlation with dynamic balance (P=0.039 and 0.001, respectively) and trunk stability (P=0.003 and 0.004, respectively), indicating that the increase in kyphosis and lordosis angles can lead to a decrease in dynamic balance and trunk stability of elderly women.

The increase in kyphosis and lordosis angles is associated with decreased balance, mobility, and trunk stability in elderly women at risk of falling. Therefore, correctional and rehabilitative specialists are recommended to enhance the balance, mobility, and trunk stability of elderly women at risk of falling, by correcting postural alignment, strengthening muscles, and improving muscle balance