COMPARISON OF SPINAL CURVATURES AND FLEXIBILITY IN OSTEOPOROTIC AND NORMAL WOMEN

Abstract

A total of 45 women are included in this study. They are divided according to their bone mineral density into three groups, Group I: 16 women with osteoporosis (OP); Group II: 15 women with low bone mineral density (osteopenia) (OST); Group III: 14 women with normal bone mineral density (control group). The thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, thoracic spine range of motion (ROM) and lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) are measured in the three groups. There are significant differences between the three groups regarding the thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, thoracic range of motion and !urn bar range of motion. It is concluded that osteoporosis is associated with increase of the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis as well as the decrease of the thoracic and lumbar spine range of motion.

Key Words: Spinal Curvatures, Spinal Mobility, Osteoporosis