The effect of spinal curvature on the photogrammetric assessment on static balance in elderly women

Abstract

BackgroundInvolutional changes to the body in elderly patients affect the shape of the spine and the activity of postural muscles. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of age-related changes in spinal curvature on postural balance in elderly women.MethodsThe study population consisted of 90 women, with a mean age of 70 ± 8.01 years. Static balance assessments were conducted on a tensometric platform, and posturographic assessments of body posture were performed using a photogrammetric method based on the Projection Moiré method.ResultsThe results obtained were analysed using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test. We found a statistically significant correlation between body posture and the quality of the balance system response based on the corrective function of the visual system. The shape of the spinal curvature influenced postural stability, as measured by static posturography. Improvement in the quality of the balance system response depended on corrective information from the visual system and proprioceptive information from the paraspinal muscles.ConclusionsThe sensitivity of the balance system to the change of centre of pressure location was influenced by the direction of the change in rotation of the shoulder girdle and spine. Development of spinal curvature in the sagittal plane and maintenance of symmetry in the coronal and transverse planes are essential for correct balance control, which in turn is essential for the development of a properly proportioned locomotor system.

Postural changes versus balance control and falls in community-living older adults: a systematic review

“…This is confirmed by the findings of this review, in which poorer stabilometry results were associated with postural malalignment and falls [21,22,24,29,31]. Previous studies have also associated thoracic hyperkyphosis with loss of mobility, reduced quality of life and increased falls risk in osteoporotic older adults [11,16,39,40].…”

“…The following methods and tools were used to assess body posture: SpinalMouse [8, 21 -24], occiput-to-wall distance (OWD) [25 -27], method using 1.7 cm blocks [28], flexicurve ruler [29,30], Cobb angle [24,26,27], photogrammetry/Moiré method [31], method with photographic recording [32] and digital inclinometer [33]. Foot posture was assessed using the Foot Posture Index (FPI) [34,35], which tests foot characteristics across six domains: foot posture, foot deformity and lesions, plantar tactile sensation, toe muscle strength and foot pain, and a three-dimensional foot scanner (Footstep PRO, Dream GP Company, Japan) [36].…”

“…Only one study [31] failed to describe the eligibility and inclusion criteria of the participants (sample). Five studies [25,26,29,33] did not describe the reliability of the tools used in the study, while two studies offered a questionable description of the tools' reliability [31,36]. All studies but one [32] described their clinical implications.…”

“…The Clinical Guidance Statement on Management of Falls [44] recommends the screening of different risk factors for falls and interventions, such as foot assessment and footwear correction, with level two evidence. It is important to highlight that other variables associated with postural changes may influence balance impairment and risk of falls in older adults, such as visual and proprioceptive muscle response [31], paravertebral muscle weakness [21 -24], decreased spinal mobility [21] and low physical function [8].…”

Evaluation of the Selected Parameters of the Body onto the Location of the Gravity Center Projected on Foot

“…Among them, the most commonly found in the literature is the method of projection stripes and moire [21][22][23] and photogrammetric [24][25][26][27]. The advantages of non-contact systems that do not require application any tags to the body of an examined person are undeniable, and one of the most important is the ease of use and not dependent on individual factors of the person performing the measurement.…”