Article

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate pain intensity-related
differences in physical performance and fear of falling in elderly women with osteoporosis. A sample of 82 osteoporotic women (73.8+/-8.1 years) with and
without vertebral fractures was included. Numeric rating scale (NRS) measures
(0=no pain, 10=unbearable) were applied to obtain actual pain intensity and to
stratify between patients with mild (0-3), moderate (4-6) and severe (7-10) pain.
Activity-related fear of falling was evaluated with the Falls Efficacy
Scale-International Version (FES-I). Physical performance measures included
maximum voluntary quadriceps strength, postural sway and gait speed measures.
Controlling for age, fractures, and history of falls ANCOVA with Scheffe's post
hoc test indicated significant slower walking velocities and greater postural
sway for patients with severe pain. Furthermore, significant group differences
could be detected for muscle strength and fear of falling.
Patients with more
intense pain (NRS>/=5) were 6.4 times (odds ratio; 95%CI: 1.5-26.7) more likely
to score below average in fall-related self-efficacy and all physical performance
tests. Among women with osteoporosis, heightened back pain intensity increases
fear of falling and decreases physical performance irrespective of vertebral
fractures and history of falls.
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Langue : ANGLAIS