Hyperkyphosis among the Elderly in a Community: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Aging brings progressive changes in the physiology of the musculoskeletal system that leads to postural changes and degenerative diseases in elderly. The most common postural change is hyperkyphosis which decreases physical performance, ability to perform daily activities, overall quality of life, and increases the risk of falls in elderly. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of hyperkyphosis among the elderly in a community. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a local community from 26 May 2019 to 8 June 2019 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Protocol approval number: 138/19). Participants above 60 years of age were included in the study. Convenience sampling was done. A bubble inclinometer was used to measure the degree of kyphosis. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 144 elderly participants, hyperkyphosis was present in 90 (62.50%) (54.59-70.41, 95% Confidence Interval) with the mean hyperkyphosis being 47.07±4.83°. The elderly in the age group of 70-75 years had a higher degree of hyperkyphosis with a mean value of 47.77±4.92°. The mean hyperkyphosis was 48.18±5.30° and 45.31±3.36° in female and male participants respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperkyphosis was found to be higher in our study compared to other studies conducted in similar settings. Early identification and interventions of hyperkyphosis are thus warranted to prevent the detrimental consequences in the later stages of life.