LAUSR

Background Vertebral fractures (VFs) are important osteoporotic fractures which manifest increased morbidity and mortality; however, their clinical features usually differ. Obesity is one of the important parameters of risk of osteoporotic fractures and vertebral pain syndrome. Objectives The aim of the research was to study the indices of vertebral pain (VP) and physical performance (PP) in postmenopausal women with VFs depending on presence of obesity. Methods We examined 87 females aged 50-89 years old with VFs in thoracic and/or lumbar spine which were divided into 3 groups: I – patients with normal weight (NW), according to WHO criteria, n=32; II – women with overweight (OW), n=37; III – females with obesity (OB), n=18. The parameters of VP in thoracic and/or lumbar spine were measured by 11-component visual analog scale (VAS), the indices of PP using static and dynamic functional tests (Thomayer, Schober tests, chest excursion, lateral trunk lean, 3-, 4-, 15-meter tests, “stand up from the chair”, static balancing). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA (Lunar, Prodigy). Results We have found the significantly higher parameters of BMD of femoral neck and lumbar spine in women with VFs and OB compared to females with NW. However, we did not establish any reliable differences of VP neither in thoracic nor in lumbar spine depending on obesity presence. Also, we did not reveal the significant differences of most parameters of PP, except for the indices of chest excursion (mean parameter, of the inhalation and exhalation) which were reliably higher in patients with OB. Conclusion In conclusion, the indices of VP and PP do not differ in postmenopausal women depending on obesity presence, except for chest excursion that should be taken into account in rehabilitation programs for females with VFs. Disclosure of Interests None declared