The comparison of spinal curves and hip and ankle range of motions between old and young persons

  Background :Falls have been strongly associated with decreased physical activity and impaired mobility. Reduced range of motion, as a consequence of muscle stiffness, has been indicated to assume a positive relationship to fall incidence. Also clinical observations suggest that maintaining the normal spinal curves is associated with the prevention of spinal, knee and hip disorders. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare hip and ankle range of motions and thoracic and lumbar curves between young and old persons   Methods :Using a nonprobability sampling 30 elderly persons at average of 68.14 ±4.03 years of age and 30 young people (age 23.37 ± 2.31 years) through a case – control design participated in the study. Maximal hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion range of motions were measured by a standard goniometer. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures were measured by a flexible ruler in both groups. Independent t test were used to statistically analyze differences between groups.   Results :Compared with the young group, the elderly group had decreased hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion motions (p<0.01). The result of independent t test showed that the mean of lumbar curve was higher in young group (31.29± 6.37)than elderly subjects (27.93±8.11) ,however, no significant difference was found between two groups(p=0.08). The result also showed increasing thoracic curvature with aging (young group=34.43±13.27, old group= 36.19±8.97), however, no significant difference was found between two groups(p=0.55).   Conclusion :Findings suggest decreased ankle and hip joint range of motions should be considered in rehabilitation of elderly people.