The Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis.

Worldwide, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of joint pain in older people. Many factors contribute to osteoarthritis' development and progression, including secondary osteoarthritis' underlying causes. It is important to note that osteoarthritis affects all four tissues: cartilage, bone, joint capsule, and articular apparatus. An increasingly prominent area of research in osteoarthritis regulation is microRNAs (miRNAs), a small, single-stranded RNA molecule that controls gene expression in eukaryotes. We aimed to assess and summarize current knowledge about the mechanisms of the action of miRNAs and their clinical significance. Osteoarthritis (OA) is affected by the interaction between miRNAs and inflammatory processes, as well as cartilage metabolism. MiRNAs also influence cartilage cell apoptosis, contributing to the degradation of the cartilage in OA. Studies have shown that miRNAs may have both an inhibitory and promoting effect on osteoporosis progression through their influence on molecular mechanisms. By identifying these regulators, targeted treatments for osteoarthritis may be developed. In addition, microRNA may also serve as a biomarker for osteoarthritis. By using these biomarkers, the disease could be detected faster, and early intervention can be instituted to prevent mobility loss and slow deterioration.

Validation of the Polish Version of Knee Outcome Survey Activities of the Daily Living Scale in a Group of Patients after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Polish version of Knee Outcome Survey Activities of the Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) in a group of patients after arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). METHODS: The study was a longitudinal study with repeated measures. One hundred and twelve subjects who qualified for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (mean age = 31.8 years) were initially enrolled in this study. The Polish version of KOS-ADLS and Short Form-36 v. 2.0 (SF-36) were used. RESULTS: The Polish version of KOS-ADLS in subjects after ACL rupture demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha for KOS-ADLS- total = 0.91), and test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC-total = 0.98). The standard error of measurement (SEM) value was 0.81 and the minimal detectable change (MDC) was 2.23 for KOS-ADLS-total. The validity analysis showed a moderate and low correlation between KOS-ADLS and different domains of SF-36 from r = 0.354 between KOS-ADLS activity and the physical component scale (PCS) of SF-36: to r = 0.206 between KOS-ADLS activity and the mental component scale (MCS) of SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The Polish version of KOS-ADLS turned out to be a reliable, valid and responsive self-reported outcome measure, allowing for the self-assessment of symptoms and function related to the knee joint impairment after ACL reconstruction. Therefore, the scale can be applied in clinical practice and research.

Tibial shaft fractures in children: flexible intramedullary nailing in growing children especially weighing 50 kg (110 lbs) or more.

Currently the gold standard in surgical treatment of displaced tibial shaft fractures in children with open growth cartilage is elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The purpose of this study is the analysis of indications, complications, and duration of treatment using intramedullary flexible nails in children who are still growing but especially weighing 50 kg or more. Hospital records from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed to identify the children from 4 to 17 years of age with displaced tibial shaft fractures admitted to the hospital. Only children with open growth cartilage, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up and complete clinical data, were included. Studies of 91 children xwere analyzed. The average patient age at the time of the injury was 10.88 ± 2.82 years. In the entire group, 31.9% children weighed 50 kg or more, and 68.1% of the children were below this weight. All children were treated using ESIN. The mean time to nail removal was 8.4 ± 4.09 months in the whole group of children stabilized with ESIN. There were no differences in the two groups depending on the weight ( P = 0.637). Only two adverse events were observed. This study demonstrates that the use of ESIN in displaced tibial shaft fractures in growing children weighing 50 kg or more is acceptable and safe. The discussion to be made is whether it is still an acceptable method of treatment for this type of fracture due to the progressive obesity epidemic in children and adolescents.

Manufacturing Polymer Model of Anatomical Structures with Increased Accuracy Using CAx and AM Systems for Planning Orthopedic Procedures.

Currently, medicine uses typical industrial structure techniques, including reverse engineering, data processing, 3D-CAD modeling, 3D printing, and coordinate measurement techniques. Taking this into account, one can notice the applications of procedures used in the aviation or automotive industries based on the structure of Industry 4.0 in the planning of operations and the production of medical models with high geometric accuracy. The procedure presented in the publication shortens the processing time of tomographic data and increases the reconstruction accuracy within the hip and knee joints. The procedure allows for the partial removal of metallic artifacts from the diagnostic image. Additionally, numerical models of anatomical structures, implants, and bone cement were developed in more detail by averaging the values of local segmentation thresholds. Before the model manufacturing process, additional tests of the PLA material were conducted in terms of its strength and thermal properties. Their goal was to select the appropriate type of PLA material for manufacturing models of anatomical structures. The numerical models were divided into parts before being manufactured using the Fused Filament Fabrication technique. The use of the modifier made it possible to change the density, type of filling, number of counters, and the type of supporting structure. These treatments allowed us to reduce costs and production time and increase the accuracy of the printout. The accuracy of the manufactured model geometry was verified using the MCA-II measuring arm with the MMDx100 laser head and surface roughness using a 3D Talyscan 150 profilometer. Using the procedure, a decrease in geometric deviations and amplitude parameters of the surface roughness were noticed. The models based on the presented approach allowed for detailed and meticulous treatment planning.

Validity of the Gait Deviation Index in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PURPOSE: Effectiveness of the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of the GDI as an outcome measure of gait disturbance children with JIA. METHODS: Fifty children and adolescents with JIA were included into the study. The control group included 50 healthy children without gait disorders, matched for age and gender. The kinematic gait parameters were measured using a 3D movement analysis system. Walking speed, walking distance, cadence, step length and single support time were also evaluated. RESULTS: The findings show a statistically significant difference between the values of GDI for the right leg in the study group and the controls ( p = 0.036). The individuals included in the study group achieved significantly lower values in this parameter (mean 94.92 ± 8.38 vs. mean 100.00 ± 10.00). The GDI value for right and left leg and the mean GDI value showed low (0.3 ≤ |R| <0.5, p <0.005) to moderate (0.5 ≤ |R| <0.7, p<0.001) correlations with the other gait parameters and measures. CONCLUSIONS: The GDI scores were lower in individuals with JIA compared to controls. This difference in the GDI values was only significant for the right leg. The GDI values showed low to moderate correlations with other gait parameters.

Three-dimensional analysis of gait in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PURPOSE: The paper aimed to assess the gait pattern in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated at the rehabilitation center and to assess changes in this pattern after the end of treatment and 9 months later. METHODS: 50 children with JIA were enrolled into the study. 35 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study for a comparison. Spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were obtained using a movement analysis system. The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) was calculated. The assessment was performed three times: on the day of admission to the rehabilitation center, after the end of a 4-week treatment period and 9 months later. RESULTS: With regard to the majority of spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters, differences in their distribution were highly statistically significant between the study group and the control group ( p < 0.001). In two subsequent tests, differences were less significant when compared to the control group ( p < 0.01). In the study group, ranges of motion in the sagittal plane in the hip ( p < 0.01), knee ( p < 0.001) and ankle joints ( p < 0.01) increased significantly between tests 1 and 2, and 1 and 3. A significantly lower value of GDI was observed in the study group (right limb; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The gait pattern of children with JIA is significantly different from the one observed in healthy children. A rehabilitation program significantly improved gait in children with JIA, but differences compared to healthy children were still observed, and it indicates that the abnormal gait pattern became permanent in this group of subjects.

miRNA-146a-5p is upregulated in serum and cartilage samples of patients with osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widely prevalent joint disease leading to motor disability and pain. Appropriate indicators for identifying patients at risk for this progressive disease, identifying molecular events for detecting early phases of the disease, or biomarkers to screen for treatment responses, however, are lacking. Micro RNAs (miRNAs), which play crucial roles in OA, could be potential biomarkers of OA. Because circulating miRNA levels reflect the disease state, they may be useful for OA screening and as diagnostic tools, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimizing the cost of current diagnostic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression levels of 18 microRNAs (let-7e-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-101-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-130a-3p miR-146a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-193b-3p miR-199a-3p, miR-210-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-22-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-335-5p, miR-454-3p, and miR-98-5p) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in the cartilage tissues and serum samples of 28 OA patients and were compared to those of 2 healthy controls. RESULTS: Expression of microRNA-146a-5p was significantly upregulated in the cartilage (p=0.006) and serum (p=0.002) of OA patients. The expression levels of miR-146a-5p in the serum were positively correlated with those in the cartilage (Pearson correlation coefficient R=0.32; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: miR-146a-5p was significantly overexpressed in patients with OA, both in the articular cartilage tissue and serum, with a positive correlation between the levels in both types of samples. Therefore, the miR-146a-5p serum level could reflect the molecular processes in the cartilage, suggesting its clinical utility as a biomarker for OA management. Implementing noninvasive biomarker using serum miRNAs involves the analysis of the misregulated miRNAs linked to the cartilage pathology.

Polish Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND The Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) is a self-reported questionnaire used for the evaluation of the overall health of patients with knee dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of KOS-ADLS and to evaluate its psychometric properties in patients at the end-stage of knee osteoarthritis who were qualified for a total knee replacement (TKR). MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy patients consecutively qualified for surgical TKR procedure participated in this study. To adapt the KOS-ADLS, the following scales and reference tests were used: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Time Up and Go test (TUG), and Five Times Sit to Stand test (5×STS). The studies were conducted 3 times: 2 weeks before surgery (first study), 6 to 13 days later (retest), and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS The Polish version of KOS-ADLS showed excellent reliability (ICC=0.89 SEM=2.68, MDC=7.43) and high responsiveness (ES=4.76, SRM=3.18). The internal consistency was poor in the first assessment (Cronbach's alpha=0.68), but acceptable in the post-surgery evaluation (Cronbach's alpha=0.86). There were fair and moderate correlations found between KOS-ADLS and VAS scales in the first examination, TUG, and 5×STS. Stronger correlations were observed between the results obtained in KOS-ADLS and KOOS. CONCLUSIONS The Polish version of the KOS-ADLS demonstrated good reliability, validity, and responsiveness for use in patients who have undergone TKR surgery.

Evaluation of Selected Gait Parameters in Patients Prior to and at 6 Months Following Early Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

[b]Background. [/b]ACL rupture and reconstruction may lead to impairment of spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient's gait following a complete tear of the ACL and its endoscopic reconstruction.[b]Material and methods.[/b] 3D gait analysis was performed using the BTS Smart optoelectronic system (6 IR cameras, 120 Hz). The study group included 40 patients with complete unilateral ACL rupture and 37 healthy matched subjects. In the study group gait analysis was performed twice, within one to two weeks prior to the ACL reconstruction and the follow-up study six months after surgery. In the control group single gait analysis was performed.[b]Results. [/b]Six months after the ACL reconstruction the duration of the stance phase for the non-operated limb (p&amp;amp;lt;0,0000) and the initial double stance phase for the operated limb (p&amp;amp;lt;0,0000) were reduced. A statistically significant increase in the step length for both lower limbs was observed. Additionally patients gait cadence (p=0,0003) and mean gait speed (p=0,0006) have also increased. Nevertheless, in the second study, these parameters were still significantly different comparing to the control group. Analysing the kinematic parameters of patients" gait after surgery it was demonstrated, that the hip and knee joints range of motion in both limbs has increased in a statistically significant way. The range of motion of the ankle joint of the operated limb has also improved.[b]Conclusions.[/b] 1. Within six months after the ACL reconstruction there was significant improvement and normalization of the patient's gait pattern, though we may still observe significant differences when compared to the control group, which indicates the need for further rehabilitation focused on the re-education of patients gait pattern. 2. Results of our study indicates a need of long-term observation in the group of patients after ACL reconstruction to determine, whether the gait pattern impairment demonstrate further tendency to improve in time.

MiRNA expression in the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent disease of articulating joints, is a complex multifactorial disease caused by genetic, mechanical, and environmental factors. In this research, we evaluated miRNA expression in OA. METHODS: Forty tissue samples from 29 patients undergoing joint replacement for OA were evaluated. Tissue from two control patients undergoing hip replacement not related to OA was used as a control. Total RNA (containing miRNA species) from cartilage was isolated using a miRCURYTM [corrected] Isolation Kit. Expression of 19 miRNAs was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Expression of four miRNAs, miR-138-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-335-5p, and miR-9-5p, was significantly upregulated in OA tissues (patients vs. control group). CONCLUSIONS: These findings may contribute to disease prevention and the development of therapeutic targets for OA.

Evaluation of incidence frequency and analysis of risk factors for the occurrence of back pain in a randomly-chosen group in the Podkarpackie Region of south-eastern Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of incidence and analysis of the risk factors for the occurrence of back pain (BP) in a group of professionally active inhabitants of the Podkarpackie Region of south-east Poland. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was carried out with a method of social survey on a randomly selected group of 2,000 the inhabitants of the Podkarpackie Region, age: 30-50 years. In the study group, 71.5% people reported back pain, 61% of whom indicated the pain being located in the lumbar-sacral region. RESULTS: It was shown that the chief factors increasing the frequency of occurrence of BP was the physical character of work connected with lifting heavy loads, as well as long-term work in one position with continual repetition of the same movements. The persons reporting BP were more frequently those who opted for passive forms of relaxation (p=0.0280), and the difference was significant. No significant relationship was found between body stature and the frequency of incidence of BP (p=0.6327). In the study group, there was no relationship found between the frequency of occurrence of spinal pain syndrome (SPS) and the living environment. CONCLUSIONS: In the study group of the randomly selected working inhabitants of the Podkarpackie Region, it was shown that the frequency of incidence of back pain is on the same level as in the other regions of the country. In the study group, the living environment was found not to have any significant influence on the frequency of back pain.

Effects of carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner on the asymmetries of the trunk and parameters defining lateral flexion of the spine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine changes in the body posture parameters defining asymmetry of the trunk and lateral flexion of the spine in children while carrying a backpack weighing 10% of a child's weight. BACKGROUND: Carrying a backpack may negatively affect the posture of schoolchildren and contribute to spinal pain. METHOD: The study involved 162 primary school students ages 11 to 13 years. The parameters describing body posture were assessed with a backpack carried on the right or left shoulder as well as without a load. To assess the predefined parameters, we used the CQ Elektronik System, employing the photogrammetric method. RESULTS: Trunk inclination shifted significantly in the opposite direction to the shoulder the backpack was carried on, and an increase in shoulder asymmetry was also found. We also observed a more pronounced right-side lateral flexion of the spine when the backpack was carried on the right shoulder and an analogous relationship for the left side. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner negatively affects spine, even if the backpack weight constitutes 10% of the child's weight, which has been previously recommended as a safe load for a child's shoulders. APPLICATION: We suggest that the issue of safe backpack weight be reassessed and that students be taught basic ergonomic principles on how to carry loads. Changes to the management pattern of carrying textbooks to and from school also should be considered.

Effect of asymmetrical backpack load on spinal curvature in school children.

BACKGROUND: Carrying a backpack is common among schoolchildren. The effect of backpack load on spine pain and posture defects in children is often raised in the literature. According to scientific research, the maximum backpack load that is safe for children must not exceed 10-15% of their body mass. There is a lack of scientific reports related to the effect of frequently wearing a backpack on one shoulder among children and young adults and its influence on the shape of the anterior-posterior curvatures of spine. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate body posture parameters in the sagittal plane for an asymmetrical backpack load equal to 10% of a child's body mass. METHODS: The study was conducted using 162 primary schoolchildren aged 11-13 years. Each participant underwent three tests that examined postural parameters, including habitual posture, with the backpack on the participant's right and left shoulder. Posture was measured with the CQ Elektronik; which uses photogrammetry to make anthropometric calculations based on an image of the examined surface. RESULTS: The asymmetrical backpack load resulted in a significant reduction of thoracic kyphosis (GKP: p=0.040). The angle of thoracic kyphosis increased between the measurements. The difference (GAMMA=0.054) revealed that the results were approaching significance. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the gravity of the problem, children should be educated on ergonomics by teachers, physiotherapist or nurses, including instructions on carrying a backpack and the effects of disregarding the basic rules on body posture, as part of their school curriculum. The acceptable backpack load, which is now believed to be 10% of the child's body mass, should be carefully considered by scientists. Our own results show that even a load of 10% of the body mass may induce negative changes in spinal posture.

Effects of the sitting position on the body posture of children aged 11 to 13 years.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, children spend increasingly more time in a seated position, both at school during class and at home in front of a computer or television. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters describing body posture and scoliosis among children in sitting and standing positions. METHODS: It was an observational, cross-sectional study involving 91 primary school children aged 11-13 years. The children's backs were photographed in standing and sitting positions. The values of selected parameters were calculated using photogrammetric examination based on the Moire projection phenomenon. RESULTS: The results show significant statistical differences for the parameters defining the anteroposterior curves of the spine. The sitting position resulted in a decreased angle of inclination of the thoracolumbar spine, reduced depths of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and pelvic asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a sitting position for a long time results in advanced asymmetries of the trunk and scoliosis, and causes a decrease in lumbar lordosis and kyphosis of a child's entire spine. Therefore, we advocate the introduction of posture education programs for schoolchildren.

Study of the influence of lipids on the balance parameters in patients with well and poorly controlled arterial hypertension.

STUDY AIM: To assess the correlation of the level of cholesterol fractions and balance in two groups of patients with well and poorly controlled hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 106 patients: 41 males and 65 females with diagnosed arterial hypertension without concomitant diseases which could affect the balance system. The average age of the patients was 52.1 +/- 7.7 years. The values of the level of individual lipid fractions from the previous three months were obtained from the medical records of the patients. The influence of the cholesterol fractions in the patient group with well and poorly controlled hypertension on balance parameters was assessed. The balance examination was conducted on a stabilometric platform. RESULTS: The study results indicate a correlation between balance disorders and the increase of cholesterol levels in people with hypertension regardless of its level of control. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension more frequently presented a deterioration of the balance parameters examined on the stabilometric platform. The increase in the level of the LDL cholesterol fraction was associated with a deterioration of the balance parameters only in the group with uncontrolled hypertension, both in the eyes open and eyes closed test. The increase in the level of cholesterol and its individual fractions in combination with arterial pressure above 140/90 mmHg in our study deteriorated the balance parameters for the distance traveled, velocity of movement and the size of the area marked by the projection of the center of gravity in the examined persons. CONCLUSIONS: Disorders of lipid balance may be associated with changes in the balance system and accelerate their development in people under 60 years of age, which translates to worse balance parameters achieved in the stabilometric platform test, especially

Dynamics of the increase in strength and girth of quadriceps muscle after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction is the method of choice in the treatment of ACL rupture. Postoperative rehabilitation is a very important aspect of therapeutic management. One of priority elements is to regain proper strength and function of the quadriceps muscle in a short time. The aim of this study was to estimate the dynamics of the increase in strength and girth of quadriceps after ACL reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of 30 patients who had undergone arthroscopic assisted quadruple bundle dual channel ACL reconstruction surgery in years 2010-2011. The average age of the patients at the time of operation was 31.7 years (range 17-53). Each patient was examined 4 times: before the surgery as well as in the second, sixth and twelfth week after the reconstruction. RESULTS: Examination revealed a significant increase in quadriceps girth, with peak increase rate observed within the two first weeks after the surgery. Between weeks 2 and 6, a decrease in quadriceps girth was observed followed by repeated increase worm week 6 on. The greatest increase in the girth at the thickest point of the muscle was observed in rehabilitation weeks 6 through 12. A significant decrease in muscle strength was observed in the first 2 weeks after the surgery. In the remaining periods, the strength of the quadriceps muscle continued to grow. The average KSS score increased from 109.1 at week 2 to 162.3 at week 12 after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation results in a dynamic increase in the strength of quadriceps between weeks 6 and 12 following reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament. However, the 12-week rehabilitation period is not sufficient to regain full functionality.

Examination of the compatibility of the photogrammetric method with the phenomenon of mora projection in the evaluation of scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of external measurements of parameters characterizing scoliosis using the photogrammetric method. MATERIAL: The study involved 120 children between the ages of 7 and 11 years in Podkarpackie (Poland). METHOD: Measurements of body posture characteristics were performed using the photogrammetric method with mora projection. Each person was examined twice, once by two different therapists, with a time lapse of 20 minutes in between examinations. RESULTS: High accuracy and no statistical significance were found among different measurements of asymmetry parameters characterizing the shoulder blades and hips. Regularities were also found in the characteristic measurements of curves of scoliosis. The POSTI parameter showed a significant variation and lack of compatibility of results. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The photogrammetric method used to assess the pathological changes caused by scoliosis gives significant results in terms of parameters characterizing the position of the shoulder blades and shoulders, as well as pelvis rotation. (2) High compliance measurements are also characterized by the length of the right and left arcs of scoliosis.

The effect of spinal curvature on the photogrammetric assessment on static balance in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Involutional changes to the body in elderly patients affect the shape of the spine and the activity of postural muscles. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of age-related changes in spinal curvature on postural balance in elderly women. METHODS: The study population consisted of 90 women, with a mean age of 70 ± 8.01 years. Static balance assessments were conducted on a tensometric platform, and posturographic assessments of body posture were performed using a photogrammetric method based on the Projection Moiré method. RESULTS: The results obtained were analysed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. We found a statistically significant correlation between body posture and the quality of the balance system response based on the corrective function of the visual system. The shape of the spinal curvature influenced postural stability, as measured by static posturography. Improvement in the quality of the balance system response depended on corrective information from the visual system and proprioceptive information from the paraspinal muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of the balance system to the change of centre of pressure location was influenced by the direction of the change in rotation of the shoulder girdle and spine. Development of spinal curvature in the sagittal plane and maintenance of symmetry in the coronal and transverse planes are essential for correct balance control, which in turn is essential for the development of a properly proportioned locomotor system.

Changes in the body posture of women occurring with age.

BACKGROUND: A current topic in the field of geriatrics still needing a great deal of study is the changes in body posture occurring with age. Symptoms of these changes can be observed starting between the ages of 40-50 years with a slow progression that increases after 60 years of age. The aims of this study were to evaluate parameters characterizing the posture of women over the age of 60 years compared with a control group and to determine the dynamics of body posture changes in the following decades. METHODS: The study included 260 randomly selected women. The study group consisted of 130 women between the ages of 60-90 years (Older Women). The control group (Younger Women) consisted of 130 women between the ages of 20-25 years (posture stabilization period). The photogrammetric method was used to evaluate body posture using the phenomenon of the projection chamber. The study was conducted according to generally accepted principles. RESULTS: In the analysis of parameters characterizing individual slope curves, results were varied among different age groups. The lumbar spine slope did not show significant differences between different age groups (p = 0.6952), while statistically significant differences (p = 0.0000) were found in the thoracic-lumbar spine slope (p = 0.0033) and upper thoracic spine slope. Body angle was shown to increase with age (p = 0.0000). Thoracic kyphosis depth significantly deepened with age (p = 0.0002), however, the thoracic kyphosis angle decreased with age (p = 0.0000). An increase in asymmetries was noticed, provided by a significantly higher angle of the shoulder line (p = 0.0199) and the difference in height of the lower shoulder blade angle (p = 0.0007) measurements in the group of older women. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the parameters describing body posture throughout consecutive decades were observed. Therapy for women over the age of 60 years should involve strengthening of the erector spinae muscles and controlling body posture with the aim of reducing trunk inclination and deepening of thoracic kyphosis. Moreover, exercises shaping lumbar lordosis should be performed to prevent its flattening.