Balance impairment is related to vertebral fracture rather than thoracic kyphosis in individuals with osteoporosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Balance impairments have been identified in people with osteoporosis. Although an association between thoracic kyphosis and impaired balance has been reported, the specific role of vertebral fractures has not been considered. This study aimed to investigate the independent effects of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and thoracic kyphosis on balance characteristics in an osteoporotic population. METHODS: Twenty-two individuals with osteoporosis were divided into groups with (n=10) and without (n=12) radiologically diagnosed fracture, and into groups with low (n=11) and high (n=11) thoracic kyphosis. Force-plate-derived balance parameters were recorded during three static standing..