Changes in spinal mobility with increasing age in women.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Kinesiology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Aging is associated with changes in musculoskeletal function.
• Spinal mobility is a key component of overall physical function and quality of life.
• Limited research quantifies age-related spinal mobility changes in healthy women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine age-related changes in spinal mobility among women aged 20-84 years.
• To establish objective measurement methods for spinal mobility.
• To inform physical therapy assessments and interventions.

Main Methods:

• 109 healthy women aged 20-84 years participated.
• Modified Schober method measured anterior flexion.
• Standard goniometry measured lateral flexion and extension.

Main Results:

• Spinal mobility significantly decreased with advancing age.
• The most pronounced differences were between the youngest (20-40s) and oldest (70s-80s) age groups (p < .05).
• Age is a significant factor influencing spinal range of motion.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapists must consider age-related spinal mobility decline in assessments.
• The study presents a simple, objective method for measuring spinal mobility.
• Further research is recommended to explore interventions for maintaining spinal mobility.