THORACIC KYPHOSIS, RIB MOBILITY, AND LUNG-VOLUMES IN NORMAL WOMEN ANDWOMEN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Study Design. Lung volumes and rib mobility were measured in 15 women with kyphosis resulting from spinal osteoporosis and in 15 healthy wom en. Objectives. The study first sought to determine the relationship b etween thoracic kyphosis and rib mobility and then sought to determine the effect of kyphosis and associated changes in rib mobility on resp iratory function. Summary of Background Data. Spinal deformity in anky losing spondylitis and scoliosis is associated with alterations in res piratory function. The effect of thoracic kyphosis on respiratory mech anics has not been investigated in an osteoporotic population. Methods . Lung volumes were measured using a spirometer, and rib mobility, dur ing maximal inspiratory and expiratory maneuvers, was monitored with f our motion sensors placed anteriorly, posteriorly, and laterally on th e thorax. Results. Vital capacity, inspiratory capacity, total lung ra pacity, and lateral expansion of the thorax were lower in the osteopor otic group (P < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation be tween kyphosis angle and inspiratory capacity, vital capacity, and lat eral expansion of the thorax. Conclusions. Lung volumes and rib mobili ty were significantly impaired in women with thoracic kyphosis.