July 2005

Special weights and exercise improve
balance, diminish back pain

Women over age 60 with osteoporosis-caused curvature of the spine may improve their balance, experience diminished back pain, and reduce falls by wearing a unique weighted back support and exercising, according to researchers at Mayo Clinic.

Within four weeks in the study, the researchers noted significant changes in balance and gait. They also recorded back extensor strength improvements and significant decrease in back pain. Mayo Clinic researchers presented their findings in the July 2005 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

The Mayo Clinic researchers studied women in community-dwelling settings over age 60. Past studies have shown that community-dwelling people have a higher risk of falls and fractures than persons whose mobility is severely restricted. Twelve women in the study suffered from kyphosis, a progressive curvature of the spine that includes severe, progressive muscle weakness. Kyphosis causes a stooping posture. Their risk of falls and balance were studied and compared with a group of 13 women without this condition.

“Most studies of falls address the effects of sedatives, weakness of the lower extremity muscles and neuromuscular diseases,” says Mehrsheed Sinaki, MD, of Mayo Clinic’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “What we wanted to see in this study was the effects of intervention to shift the center of gravity, and improve back strength and gait.”

At the start of the four-week comparison period, the two groups exhibited significant differences, but as the women with curvature of the spine continued the program, they showed improvements in balance, gait, and back pain. The women used a weighted kypho-orthosis (WKO), a specially weighted back support device that centers its weight on the posterior of the spine and helps the person center her body better over her legs. It can weigh between 1.75 and 2.5 pounds, centered below the shoulder blades. A patient’s doctor determines the best weighting and placement of the device.

A peer-review journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings publishes original articles and reviews dealing with clinical and laboratory medicine, clinical research, basic science research, and clinical epidemiology. Copies of the articles are available online at www.mayoclinicproceedings.com.

Source: Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org

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