Longitudinal changes in spinal kyphosis, lordosis, and range of motion in aging populations: a 10-year study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess longitudinal changes in spinal alignment and range of motion (ROM) across different age groups over 10 years, focusing on thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), and spinal inclination angle (SIA), identify key inflection points in age-related spinal changes, and explore their clinical implications for maintaining postural control and preventing falls in older adults.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study including 96 healthy adult participants who underwent spinal assessments during 2007-2009 and 2017-2019 as part of an annual health checkup. Spinal alignment and ROM were measured using SpinalMouse® in upright standing and dynamic flexion/extension postures. TK (T1-T12), LL (L1-S1), and SIA were assessed using radiography.

RESULTS

TK (T1-T12) significantly increased from 38.9° ± 10.3° to 41.3° ± 9.9° (p < 0.01), whereas LL (L1-S1) significantly decreased from 21.8° ± 9.9° to 18.6° ± 11.2° (p < 0.01). The SIA increased significantly, indicating a forward-shifted posture. Flexion ROM slightly increased in the thoracic spine (T5-T12), but extension ROM significantly decreased in the upper thoracic region (T1-T5), reflecting age-related spinal rigidity.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed significant age-related changes in spinal alignment and ROM over 10 years, particularly the increase in TK, reduction in LL, and decline in extension ROM. These findings may support the potential value of early interventions aimed at preserving spinal flexibility and posture, though further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in improving outcomes.