Change in kyphosis does not affect the risk of falling in postmenopausal osteopenic and osteoporotic women

OBJECTIVES: To examine the influence of the annual change in kyphosis on the risk of falling in postmenopausal osteopenic and osteoporotic women. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 498 postmenopausal Greek women over the age of 50, suffering from either osteoporosis or osteopenia. Data on age, height, weight, and self-reported falls were collected. Additionally, we evaluated the degree of the kyphosis angle, the balance, the mobility, the functionality and the handgrip strength on both hands of each subject using the Debrunner kyphometer, the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed-Up-and-Go test, the 30 Seconds Sit-to-Stand test and the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer, respectively. All the above data were recorded at the baseline visit and the 12-month follow-up visit for each participant. RESULTS: All examined variables presented a statistically significant change at the 12-month follow-up visit. Nevertheless, the annual change in kyphosis did not show any association with the risk of falling. CONCLUSION: No association was shown between the annual change in kyphosis and the risk of falling in postmenopausal osteopenic and osteoporotic women, nor bears any substantial prognostic value for future falls.