Hyperkyphotic Posture Predicts Mortality in Older Community-Dwelling Men and Women: A Prospective Study

Authors: Kado, Deborah M.¹; Huang, Mei-Hua¹; Karlamangla, Arun S.¹; Barrett-Connor, Elizabeth²; Greendale, Gail A.¹

Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Volume 52, Number 10, October 2004 , pp. 1662-1667(6)

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Abstract:

Objectives:

To determine the association between hyperkyphotic posture and rate of mortality and cause-specific mortality in older persons. Design:

Prospective cohort study. Setting:

Rancho Bernardo, California. Participants:

Subjects were 1,353 participants from the Rancho Bernardo Study who had measurements of kyphotic posture made at an osteoporosis visit between 1988 and 1991. Measures:

Kyphotic posture was measured as the number of 1.7-cm blocks that needed to be placed under the participant's head to achieve a neutral head position when lying supine on a radiology table. Demographic and clinical characteristics and health behaviors were assessed at a clinic visit using standard questionnaires. Participants were followed for an average of 4.2 years, with mortality and cause of death confirmed using review of death certificates. Results:

Hyperkyphotic posture, defined as requiring one or more blocks under the occiput to achieve a neutral head position while lying supine, was more common in men than women (44% in men, 22% of women, P<.0001). In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, persons with hyperkyphotic posture had a 1.44 greater rate of mortality (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.12-1.86, P=.005). In multiply adjusted models, the increased rate of death associated with hyperkyphotic posture remained significant (relative hazard=1.40, 95% CI=1.08-1.81, P=.012). In cause-specific mortality analyses, hyperkyphotic posture was specifically associated with an increased rate of death due to atherosclerosis. Conclusion:

Older men and women with hyperkyphotic posture have higher mortality rates.

Keywords: kyphosis; hyperkyphosis; kyphotic posture; mortality; cohort study

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52458.x

Affiliations: 1: Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, California; and 2: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California.

Publication date: 2004-10-01

Hyperkyphotic Posture Predicts Mortality in Older Community-Dwelling Men and Women: A Prospective Study

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