Affiliations: [a] School of Physiotherapy, Technological Educational Institution, Athens, Greece | [b] Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece | [c] Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Emmanouil K. Skordilis, PhD., Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; 41 Ethnikis Antistaseos St., Dafne 17237, Athens, Greece. Tel.: +30 2107276024; Fax: +30 2107276024; E-mail: eskord@phed.uoa.gr; eskordilis@yahoo.com
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 (p=0.040), and thoracic angles (p=0.001). Significant differences were found between fallers and non-fallers in BMI (p=0.000), number of fractures (p=0.033) and pain (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.
Keywords: Postmenopausal osteoporosis, vertebral fracture, posture, falls, pain
