Relationships between mobility of axial structures and physical performance

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Daily activities rely on spinal mobility (axial mobility).
• Limited understanding exists regarding the link between axial mobility and physical performance.
• Aging significantly affects spinal structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between axial mobility and physical performance across different age groups.
• To identify age-related changes in spinal mobility and sagittal configuration.
• To determine if axial mobility is associated with physical performance, independent of age.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 57 participants (31 men, 26 women) aged 20-91 years.
• Categorized participants into three age groups: 20-40, 60-74, and 75+ years.
• Measured cervical and lumbar spine motion, sagittal spinal configuration (kyphosis, lordosis), combined spinal motion, and physical performance.

Main Results:

• Multivariate analysis revealed significant age effects across all measured variables.
• Post hoc analysis confirmed age-related differences within each variable set.
• Canonical correlations, controlling for age, showed associations between spinal mobility measures and physical performance.

Conclusions:

• Aging significantly impacts axial mobility, sagittal spinal configuration, and physical performance.
• Axial mobility is demonstrably associated with physical performance, even when age is controlled.
• Maintaining spinal mobility is crucial for preserving physical function throughout the lifespan.