Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to balance and walking ability in patients with kyphosis. [Subjects] The subjects were 20 patients with kyphosis (6 men and 14 women, average age 77.8 ± 4.7 years). [Methods] We measured passive extension mobility of the spinal column, active extension mobility of the spinal column, the angle of anterior inclination of the trunk, age, one legged standing (OLS), timed up-and-go test (TUG), maximum walking speed (MWS), and the physiological cost index (PCI). [Results] There was a significant correlation between the passive extension mobility of the spinal column and OLS, and MWS (p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between passive extension mobility of the spinal column and PCI, between active extension mobility of the spinal column and age, the angle of anterior inclination of trunk, OLS, TUG, MWS, and PCI. [Conclusion] These results suggest that passive extension mobility of the spinal column is related to the balance and walking ability of patients with kyphosis.
