Gasavi Nezhad Zeinab, A Gard Steven, Arazpour Mokhtar
Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences Tehran Iran.
Student Research Committee University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences Tehran Iran.
Health Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 22;8(7):e70958. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70958. eCollection 2025 Jul.
Hyperkyphosis, which affects 20%-40% of older adults, is characterized by excessive thoracic curvature and is linked to impaired mobility. Age-related gait changes further complicate this issue, but studies on the relationship between hyperkyphosis and gait parameters have yielded inconsistent results. Focused research is essential to clarify this relationship and develop effective interventions.
This systematic review examined the effects of hyperkyphosis on gait in older adults ( ≥ 60 years), adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD42024597304). Observational studies were included, while interventions and studies involving younger populations were excluded. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane) were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using validated JBI tools (cohort and cross-sectional checklists). Studies were categorized as high-, moderate-, or low-quality ( ≥ 75%, 50%-74%, and < 50% scores, respectively). Discrepancies were resolved through consensus. Results were synthesized qualitatively, focusing on methodological strengths and limitations.
Nineteen studies focusing on older adults with hyperkyphosis were analyzed, highlighting diverse methods for measuring kyphosis and gait parameters. The findings indicated hyperkyphosis adversely affects gait characteristics, including walking speed, step time, and overall mobility. A strong association was found between increased age, reduced muscle mass, and impaired gait performance.
This review underscores the detrimental impact of hyperkyphosis on gait parameters in older adults, emphasizing the need for standardized measurement protocols and early clinical identification. Targeted interventions are essential to enhance gait performance in this population.
脊柱后凸影响20%-40%的老年人，其特征为胸椎过度弯曲，并与行动能力受损有关。与年龄相关的步态变化使这一问题更加复杂，但关于脊柱后凸与步态参数之间关系的研究结果并不一致。开展有针对性的研究对于阐明这种关系并制定有效的干预措施至关重要。
本系统评价遵循PRISMA 2020指南（PROSPERO注册号：CRD42024597304），研究脊柱后凸对老年人（≥60岁）步态的影响。纳入观察性研究，排除干预性研究和涉及较年轻人群的研究。对数据库（PubMed、科学网、Scopus、CINAHL、Cochrane）进行系统检索。两名独立的评审员筛选文章、提取数据，并使用经过验证的JBI工具（队列研究和横断面研究清单）评估偏倚风险。研究被分为高质量、中等质量或低质量（得分分别≥75%、50%-74%和<50%）。通过协商解决分歧。对结果进行定性综合分析，重点关注方法的优势和局限性。
分析了19项针对患有脊柱后凸的老年人的研究，突出了测量脊柱后凸和步态参数的多种方法。研究结果表明，脊柱后凸对步态特征有不利影响，包括步行速度、步幅时间和整体行动能力。研究发现年龄增长、肌肉量减少与步态表现受损之间存在密切关联。
本综述强调了脊柱后凸对老年人步态参数的有害影响，强调需要标准化的测量方案和早期临床识别。针对性的干预措施对于提高该人群的步态表现至关重要。
