Evaluation of Balance and Gait Weight Distribution in Patients With Vertebral Column Fractures

This study evaluates the balance and weight distribution in walking gait in subjects with vertebral column fracture, comparing with the healthy subjects.

Study Objectives:

1. To evaluate the balance and gait weight distribution of the vertebral fracture patients.
2. To analyze the association between balance and gait weight distribution with fall risks in patients with stable vertebral fractures.
3. To construct a community fall prevention protocol.

Methodology:

Subjects:80 ambulatory subjects with a history of vertebral fracture, aged 60 and above, will be recruited from the community.

Study Design: an observational study by convenient sampling design.

Sample size calculation:

The calculated sample size of vertebral column fractures is 64. Allowing a 20% dropout rate, the round-up figure is 80.

Assessments will include the following:

1. . A questionnaire to collect the following information: i. Subjects' demographics, medical and medication history, and fall history. ii. Numeric Pain Rating Scale; ii. Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire; iii. Oswestry Disability Index (Chinese version); iv. SF-12;
2. A 6-meters Up and Go test;
3. Hand Grip Strength to evaluate the muscle strength of the subjects
4. Flexibility measurement (how far to lean forward);
5. Balance and Centre of Gravity evaluation by the TechnoBody Machine;
6. . Zebris Gait System for their gait weight distribution evaluation, and
7. Humac Norm for the Quadriceps and Hamstrings muscle strength (both sides).

Statistical Analysis:

1. Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS (version 24).
2. Two-sided tests and an α-level of 5% were used as the level of significance.
3. Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables.
4. Two-sample independent t-tests were used for continuous variables.

The balance, gait weight distribution pattern, and muscle strength will be analyzed by ANOVA.

Correlation analysis will be conducted for the factors of gender, age, and comorbid conditions.

From the results, strategies for fall prevention will be modelled and formulated.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All subjects are aged 60 or above with a history of vertebral fracture, and able to walk without assistance;
2. Not received a bilateral hip replacement and spinal surgery;
3. No known malignance at time of enrollment;
4. Able to attend Tung Wah College for examination and assessment, understand, and sign the consent form.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Unable to attend the research center for receiving examination and tests;
2. Unable to give consent;
3. Diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's Disease that adversely affect the balance and gait weight distribution;
4. Bed-bound or wheel-chair bound patients.