Relationships among spinal mobility and sagittal alignment of spine and lower extremity to quality of life and risk of falls

Spinal deformities can affect quality of life (QOL) and risk of falling, but no studies have explored the relationships of spinal mobility and sagittal alignment of spine and the lower extremities simultaneously. Purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship of those postural parameters to QOL and risk of falling. The study evaluated 110 subjects (41 men, 69 women; mean age, 73 years). Upright and flexion and extension angles for thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and spinal inclination were evaluated with SpinalMouse®. Total-body inclination and hip and knee flexion angles in upright position were measured from lateral photographs. Subjects were divided into Fallers (n = 23, 21%) and Non-fallers (n = 87, 79%) based on past history of falls. QOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36®). Age, total-body inclination, spinal inclination upright and in extension, thoracic kyphosis in flexion, lumbar lordosis upright and in extension, and knee flexion correlated significantly with the SF-36. Multiple regression analysis revealed total-body inclination and knee flexion to have the most significant relationships with the SF-36. SF-36, total-body inclination, spinal inclination in extension, thoracic kyphosis in flexion, lumbar lordosis upright and in extension, and hip and knee flexion angles differed significantly between Fallers and Non-fallers (P < 0.05 for all). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed lumbar lordosis in extension to be a significant predictor of falling (P = 0.038). Forward-stooped posture and knee-flexion deformity could be important indicator of lower QOL. Moreover, limited extension in the lumbar spine could be a useful screening examination for fall prevention in the elderly.