Evaluation of physical capacity and quality of life in osteoporotic women

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures result in increased kyphosis angle, an alteration that may lead to disturbance in physical capacity. We sought to evaluate physical capacity and disability in a group of osteoporotic patients. Fifteen women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (G1), 20 women with osteoporosis without vertebral fractures (G2), and 20 control women (G3) were selected. The variables of physical capacity were measured using a treadmill. The patients spent 4 min standing quietly, 4 min walking at 3 km/h, and 10 min walking at 4 km/h. The SF-36 questionnaire was also applied. The results showed that women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (G1) had increased kyphosis angle (median 60 degrees ), while the angle was 43.5 degrees for G2 and 37 degrees for G3. Oxygen consumption (VO(2) (kg)), METS (metabolic equivalent), and energy expenditure (kcal/h) during the standing period were higher in G1 than in G2 (G1 vs G2, p=0.016, p=0.017, and p=0.012, respectively), whereas no difference in these parameters was observed between groups during the walking period. The energy expenditure during walking at 3 km/h and at 4 km/h showed a correlation with thoracic kyphosis in G1 (p=0.01 and p=0.017, respectively). No difference in SF-36 scores was observed between the three groups. Energy expenditure showed a correlation with the angle of thoracic kyphosis. Patients with or without osteoporosis showed the same energy expenditure during the walking period. The SF-36 score was similar for the three groups.