Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effects of rehabilitation using manual
mobilization of the thoracic spine in elderly female patients with osteoporosis.
METHODS: Forty-eight postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis (age 76 -/+ 7
years) were randomly assigned to 3 months rehabilitation (18 sessions including
manual mobilization, taping and exercises, n = 29) or control (wait-list, n =
19). The primary outcome was thoracic kyphosis degree (Spinal-Mouse). Secondary
outcomes were back pain (visual analogue scale) and quality of life
(Qualeffo-41). Explanatory outcomes were compliance with rehabilitation,
complications, and patients' and therapists' perceptions regarding the
rehabilitation programme. RESULTS: Thoracic kyphosis improved significantly
following rehabilitation compared with controls (intention-to-treat analysis, p =
0.017); and in patients who were compliant with rehabilitation (n = 15) compared
with those who were non-compliant (p = 0.002) and controls (p = 0.001). Mental
health worsened slightly in the rehabilitation group (p = 0.029), but not
significantly compared with controls. Neither patients nor physical therapists
reported serious adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Three months of rehabilitation with
manual mobilization can attenuate thoracic kyphosis in elderly patients with
osteoporosis. Its impact on back pain and quality of life remains unclear and
needs further investigation.

Langue : ANGLAIS