A Study of the Influence of the Pulmonary Function on the Angles of Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis in Community-Dwelling Elderly Women

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of vertebral column alignment on respiratory function in elderly female subjects.[Subjects] The subjects were 23 female community-dwelling elderly (age: 76.8 ± 5.1 years old, BMI: 23.6 ± 2.3).[Methods] The thoracic kyphosis angle was determined by adding the angles of the superior and inferior vertebral bodies from the 1st to the 12th thoracic vertebrae, and the lumbar lordosis angle was determined by adding the angles of the superior and inferior vertebral bodies from the 1st to the 5th lumbar vertebrae. For evaluation of respiratory function, flow volume was measured with determination of forced vital capacity (FVC), % forced vital capacity (%FVC), one second forced expiratory volume (FEV 1.0 ), and one second forced expiratory volume rate (FEV 1.0 %). [Results] No significant correlation was found with any respiratory parameter for the thoracic kyphosis angle, but the lumbar lordosis angle showed a significant correlation with FVC , %FVC , and FEV 1.0 .[Conclusion] For impacts of vertebral column aligment on respiratory function the lumbar lordosis angle may be more important than the thoracic kyphosis angle.

Effect of thorax correction exercises on flexed posture and chest function in older women with age-related hyperkyphosis

“…However, VC and FEV1 were not significantly different between and within groups before and after the intervention. Horie et al 5 ) measured respiratory function using FVC and % FVC and reported that the lumbar lordosis angle was more related to vertebral column alignment than thoracic kyphosis. In the present study, although the thorax improvement exercise program was not sufficient for improving flow volume, it was deemed effective in improving mobility of the rib cage.…”

“…Elderly women with ARH often report difficulties with physical performance because of changes in vertebral column alignment, which affects the quality of life of patients in relation to their health 4 ) . In addition, ARH limits the movement of the rib cage, which is connected to the thoracic spine, resulting in difficulties with pulmonary function 5 ) . Horie et al 5 ) reported that the thoracic vertebrae forms costotransverse joints with the head of the rib.…”

“…In addition, ARH limits the movement of the rib cage, which is connected to the thoracic spine, resulting in difficulties with pulmonary function 5 ) . Horie et al 5 ) reported that the thoracic vertebrae forms costotransverse joints with the head of the rib. That are directly connected to the rib cage, suggesting there is a close relationship with the expansion capabilities of the rib cage during inhalation.…”

Correlation between thoracolumbar curvatures and respiratory function in older adults

“…Lumbar curvature was found to be significantly correlated between diaphragm muscle thickness during deep inspiration and respiratory muscle strength. Diaphragm muscle is the main muscle of inspiration34,35 and the main attachment of the diaphragm muscle is at the lumbar spine 12. Thus, a correlation between diaphragm muscle thickness and lumbar curvatures may be possible.…”

“…The correlation between respiratory function and thoracolumbar curvatures has been discussed in the literature 12–15. A significant correlation between only lumbar curvature angle with forced vital capacity (FVC; r =−0.65), %FVC ( r =−0.63) and forced expiratory volume (FEV; r =−0.50) was reported among community-dwelling older females 12.…”