The association between hyperkyphosis and physical function in geriatric outpatients with frailty

Currently, it is unknown whether hyperkyphosis is associated with lower physical function in older persons with frailty, who have a high risk of functional decline. Hyperkyphosis was highly prevalent and independently associated with lower physical function. Early detection and treatment of hyperkyphosis may contribute to the preservation of physical function.

To investigate the association between hyperkyphosis and physical function in older persons with frailty, who have a high risk of functional decline METHODS: Hyperkyphosis was defined as a Cobb angle ≥ 50°, ≥ 3.4 cm of blocks or an occiput-to-wall distance of ≥ 5.0 cm. The association with physical function (Timed Up and Go Test, Short Physical Performance Battery, Berg Balance Scale, and hand grip strength) was assessed through multifactorial regression analyses.

Hyperkyphosis was highly prevalent in the cohort (n = 337, mean age 80.0 ± 7.9 years) with a prevalence ranging from 43 to 84%, depending on which measurement method was used. Hyperkyphosis was independently associated with a longer Timed Up and Go time and a lower Berg Balance Scale score, only when kyphosis was measured with the blocks method (Timed Up and Go: adjusted OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.50-9.91; Berg Balance Scale: adjusted OR 9.42, 95% CI 2.27-39.12). Hyperkyphosis was not associated with Short Physical Function Battery or hand grip strength.

Hyperkyphosis was highly prevalent and independently associated with the Timed Up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale, even in this population of geriatric outpatients with frailty and multimorbidity, thereby more at risk for functional decline. Early detection and treatment of hyperkyphosis may contribute to the preservation of physical function.