Comparing Spinomed® and Elderly Spinal Orthosis Use on Kyphosis Angle, Back Pain, and Quality of Life in Elderly With Thoracic Hyperkyphosis

Objectives: Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common conditions in the elderly. The use of orthosis and exercise is one of the most effective treatments suggested, but unfortunately, there is little evidence to support this treatment. The study aimed to compare the effect of Spinomed® orthosis and elderly spinal orthosis with exercise and exercise alone on the angle of kyphosis, quality of life, and pain in the elderly with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Methods: In this study, 40 older adults aged 60 years and older with a kyphosis angle of more than 50 degrees were recruited. The participants were allocated into three groups: Spinomed® orthosis and exercise (n=14), elderly spinal orthosis and exercise (n=15), and exercise only (n=11). The groups were treated for three months. Results: There was a significant decrease in the kyphosis angle of participants in the Spinomed® orthosis and exercise groups (P=0.005). Pain score was significantly decreased in the Spinomed® orthosis and exercise group (P=0.023). There was only a significant increase in the physical component summary in the Spinomed® orthosis and exercise group (P=0.03) and the elderly spinal orthosis and exercise group (P=0.04) . Discussion: The combination of Spinomed® orthosis with exercise is the best choice to correct the kyphosis angle, reduce pain, and increase the quality of life. Elderly spinal orthosis and exercise can also improve the quality of life scores.