Can trunk muscle mass be a predictor of walking independence in patients with vertebral compression fractures

- a study using bioelectrical impedance analysis -

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the improvement of walking ability and trunk muscle mass in patients with vertebral compression fractures.

Methods: A total of 105 female patients with vertebral compression fractures were included in the study. Patients were classified into independent and non-independent walking groups based on their functinal independence measure (FIM) walking scores at the time of discharge. In addition, data on age at admission, number of fractures, comorbidities, cognitive function, limb skeletal muscle index and trunk muscle index, and FIM were extracted. Logistic regression analysis and decision tree analysis were used to calculate the factors and cutoff values associated with the ability to walk independently at discharge.

Results: In logistic regression analysis, comorbidities, cognitive function, trunk muscle index, and FIM motor scores were selected. The probability of independent walking at discharge was higher if the trunk muscle index at admission was 5.4kg/m² or higher.

Conclusions: Trunk muscle mass was associated with improved walking ability in patients with vertebral compression fractures.