Postural profile and falls of osteoporotic women

Abstract

Objectives:

1. To compare postural alignment in erect standing between osteoporotic fallers, osteoporotic non-fallers and healthy women. 2. To compare BMI, number of fractures and intensity of pain between osteoporotic fallers and non-fallers.

Methods:

Thirty-six osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures and 40 healthy women participated in the study. Spinal curvatures were assessed with a digital inclinometer. Photographic measurements of knee, hip, shoulder and head were carried out in sagittal plane.

Results:

Significant differences were found between osteoporotic fallers and healthy women in the head ( $\mathit{p}=0.040$ ), and thoracic angles ( $\mathit{p}=0.001$ ). Significant differences were found between fallers and non-fallers in BMI ( $\mathit{p}=0.000$ ), number of fractures ( $\mathit{p}=0.033$ ) and pain ( $\mathit{p}=0.005$ ), with fallers being heavier, with less fractures and pain than non-fallers.

Conclusions:

Osteoporotic fallers probably differ from osteoporotic non-fallers and healthy women. Researchers and clinicians may consider, in the future, the above differences when planning research and clinical intervention in this field. Replication studies are necessary to confirm the present findings.