Interrelationships of cervical spine sagittal alignment and whole spinopelvic alignment under implications of musculoskeletal health among independent elderly women in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 19; no. 10; p. e0312082
• Main Authors: Yu, Tzai-Chiu, Wu, Wen-Tien, Lee, Ru-Ping, Chen, Ing-Ho, Wang, Jen-Hung, Wen, Shu-Hui, Yeh, Kuang-Ting
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 31.10.2024
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; Age; Age groups; Aged; Aged women; Aged, 80 and over; Alignment; Biology and Life Sciences; Biomechanics; Bone density; Bone mass; Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Cervical Vertebrae - physiology; Complications and side effects; Correlation; Correlation analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; Female; Fractures; Grip strength; Hand Strength - physiology; Health aspects; Humans; Longitudinal studies; Medicine and Health Sciences; Middle Aged; Misalignment; Muscle strength; Muscle Strength - physiology; Older people; Orthopedics; Osteoporosis; Parameter identification; Patient outcomes; Pelvis; Pelvis - diagnostic imaging; Pelvis - physiology; People and Places; Physiological aspects; Quality of life; Radiography; Regression analysis; Risk reduction; Slope stability; Spinal adjustment; Spinal curvature; Spine; Spine (cervical); Strategic planning (Business); Taiwan; Women; Womens health; Taiwan
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312082

Older women are at increased risk of spinal misalignment and its associated complications. This study investigated the influence of age, grip strength, and various sagittal spinal parameters on spinal alignment. The results indicate the need for comprehensive management strategies. This cross-sectional study included 200 older women who underwent bone health evaluations at the orthopedic department of a hospital. The study participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, grip strength measurement, and full-length spine radiography. Clinical and radiographic parameters were analyzed through Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses. Significant correlations were identified between grip strength and spinal parameters such as C7 slope and global tilt, indicating that muscle strength affects spinal alignment. Advanced age was associated with changes in sagittal spinal parameters, indicating that changes occur in body compensation over time. Furthermore, pelvic parameters such as pelvic tilt and sacral slope were significantly correlated with spinal curvature, indicating their critical roles in maintaining spinal stability. This study revealed the critical roles of muscle strength and pelvic alignment in the management of spinal health in older women with low bone mass. Targeted interventions for increasing muscle strength, correcting posture, and achieving hormonal balance can notably improve spinal stability and reduce the risk of associated complications. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to validate and refine the intervention strategies and to extend the study findings.