The 7th cervical vertebra wall distance (C7WD) identifies balance control, functional mobility and the risk of multiple falls in elderly community-dwelling women with thoracic hyperkyphosis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Chankavee, Nanniphada^{a; b} | Amatachaya, Sugalya^{a; b} | Hunsawong, Torkamol^{a; b} | Thaweewannakij, Thiwabhorn^{a; b} | Mato, Lugkana^{a; b; *}

Affiliations: [a] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand | [b] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Lugkana Mato, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Thoracic hyperkyphosis is common in the elderly, especially in women, and results in impaired balance control, impaired functional mobility and an increased risk of multiple falls. The 7th cervical vertebra wall distance (C7WD) is a practical method for evaluating thoracic hyperkyphosis. OBJECTIVE: This study calculated C7WD cut-off scores that may identify impaired balance control, impaired functional mobility and an increased risk of multiple falls in elderly community-dwelling women with thoracic hyperkyphosis. This study also explored the correlation between C7WD, balance control and functional mobility. METHODS: Sixty participants were assessed for thoracic hyperkyphosis using the C7WD, balance control using the functional reach test (FRT), functional mobility using the timed up-and-go test (TUG) and a history of falls using their personal information. RESULTS: The data indicated that a C7WD of at least 7.95 cm, 8.1 cm and 8.8 cm had a good to excellent capability of identifying impaired balance control, impaired functional mobility and an increased risk of multiple falls, respectively. The C7WD results were significant and correlated with balance control (rs=-0.68) and functional mobility (rs= 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: The C7WD may be utilised as a screening tool for these three impairments in this population.

Keywords: Hyperkyphosis, gerontology, screening, community

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-220105

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 485-492, 2023