Hyperkyphosis among the Elderly in a Community: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Inosha Bimali1, Sikha Pudasaini2
1Department of Physiotherapy, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
Introduction:
Aging brings progressive changes in the physiology of the musculoskeletal system that leads to postural changes and degenerative diseases in elderly. The most common postural change is hyperkyphosis which decreases physical performance, ability to perform daily activities, overall quality of life, and increases the risk of falls in elderly. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of hyperkyphosis among the elderly in a community.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a local community from 26 May 2019 to 8 June 2019 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Protocol approval number: 138/19). Participants above 60 years of age were included in the study. Convenience sampling was done. A bubble inclinometer was used to measure the degree of kyphosis. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.
Results:
Among 144 elderly participants, hyperkyphosis was present in 90 (62.50%) (54.59-70.41, 95% Confidence Interval) with the mean hyperkyphosis being 47.07±4.83˚. The elderly in the age group of 70-75 years had a higher degree of hyperkyphosis with a mean value of 47.77±4.92˚. The mean hyperkyphosis was 48.18±5.30˚ and 45.31±3.36˚ in female and male participants respectively.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of hyperkyphosis was found to be higher in our study compared to other studies conducted in similar settings. Early identification and interventions of hyperkyphosis are thus warranted to prevent the detrimental consequences in the later stages of life.
Keywords:
aging; hyperkyphosis; posture.
More Related Videos
06:45Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
07:44Evaluation of Patients' Posture and Gait Profile After Lumbar Fusion Surgery by Video Rasterstereography and Treadmill Gait Analysis
Published on: March 23, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
General Case of Eccentric Axial Loading
Consider a member subjected to equal and opposite forces that are applied along a line that does not coincide with the member's neutral axis. In unsymmetrical...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
