Design and Testing of a Novel Orthosis for Reducing Erector Spine Muscle Activity and Improving Balance Control for Hyperkyphotic Elderly Subjects

Background: Aging often results in thoracic kyphosis and adverse postural changes. This would change the sagittal plane alignment among elderly and increases mechanical loading which may compromises the strength of the extensor muscles of the back and balance control. In addition, it interferes with normal function of the paraspinal musculature perhaps due to alterations in length-tension relationship, moment arm lengths, and force vector orientations.Methods: A new postural control orthosis with a textile band structure were designed based on the anatomy of the back muscles to provide an additional support for spine and muscles of the back. The functional impact of this orthosis was evaluated in 18 older hyper-kyphotic subjects.Results: According to the results, The RMS sEMG of the lumbar at thoracic erector spinae muscles reduced significantly after the novel orthosis was worn(p<0.05). Likewise, A significant improvement (p<0.05) in the TUG test Score was observed when patient put on the orthosis (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results of the current study shows that this novel orthosis can reduce back extensor muscles activity and improve balance control in older hyperkyphotic individuals. Our study suggests that elderly with a hyperkyphosis posture might be able to stand and walk more efficiently when wearing this novel orthosis. This orthosis is low-cost and can be easily applied into daily living. We believe this orthosis can work as a physiotherapeutic index for hyperkyphotic elderly subjects.

Keywords:

elderly subjects , hyperkyphosis , EMG , orthosis