A comparison of the effectiveness of three types of trunk orthoses on the balance performance of older people with osteoporotic hyperkyphosis: A cross-over study

Orthotic immobilization is an early treatment for osteoporotic vertebral fracture at the hyperkyphotic thoracic spine. This exploratory study compared immediate impact of three types trunk orthoses on balance parameters older people with osteoporosis hyperkyphosis. Twenty (aged 60–65 years) kyphosis and a history falls participated in pilot cross-over study. Four randomized comparisons were carried out, including either soft, semi-rigid, rigid worn participants to “no orthosis” as control condition. Kyphosis angle, Forward Reach Test, Timed Up Go test, postural stability during standing force plate recorded between conditions using one-way repeated measures analysis variance test. All significantly reduced angle (p < 0.01). None has significant change test > Rigid orthosis forward reach = 0.003, 95% CI: 1.08–6.3 cm). induced sway velocity anteroposterior mediolateral directions condition These findings suggest that hyperkyphosis reduces performance.