Comparison of the immediate efficacy of the Spinomed® back orthosis and posture training support on walking ability in elderly people with thoracic kyphosis

Background: The effect of spinal orthoses, including the Spinomed (R) and posture training support (PTS) in improving balance and reducing falls in older people has been previously evaluated. However, there is little evidence available regarding their effect on the walking ability of older individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis. This study was therefore designed to compare the immediate effect of the Spinomed (R) orthosis and PTS on specific gait parameters in this patient group. Methods: A total of 34 older volunteer subjects with thoracic hyperkyphosis participated in this study and were randomly allocated into two groups, to either walk with the Spinomed (R) orthosis in situ or the PTS. The elderly mobility scale test (EMS), two-minute walk test (2-MWT), and 10-meter walk test (10-MWT) were used to evaluate their walking performance, the distance walked and their walking speed respectively. Results: There were no significant differences in the mean age, body mass index (BMI), kyphosis angle, EMS, 2-MWT, and 10-MWT between the groups at baseline. All parameters were uniform amongst the two groups. The Spinomed (R) orthosis and PTS both had a positive and significant effect on the EMS score, the 2-MWT, and the 10-MWT. No significant difference was detected between two the types of orthoses in terms of the EMS score, the 2-MWT, or the 10-MWT. Conclusions: The Spinomed (R) and PTS were both effective in improving all the primary outcome measures, with similar improvements demonstrated by both orthoses.