Comparison of the Effectiveness of Three Lumbosacral Orthoses on Early Spine Surgery Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the convenience and effectiveness of the existing lumbosacral orthoses (LSO) (classic LSO and Cybertech) and a newly developed LSO (V-LSO) by analyzing postoperative data. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was performed from May 2019 to November 2019 and enrolled and analyzed 88 patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease scheduled for elective lumbar surgery. Three types of LSO that were provided according to the time of patient registration were applied for 6 weeks. Patients were randomized into the classic LSO group (n=31), Cybertech group (n=26), and V-LSO group (n=31). All patients were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and underwent plain lumbar radiography (anteroposterior and lateral views) 10 days postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis (LS angle) and frontal imbalance were measured with and without LSO. At the sixth postoperative week, a follow-up assessment with the ODI and orthosis questionnaire was conducted. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the LS angle, frontal imbalance, ODI, and orthosis questionnaire results. When the change in the LS angle and frontal imbalance toward the reference value was defined as a positive change with and without LSO, the rate of positive change was significantly different in the V-LSO group (LS angle: 41.94% vs. 61.54% vs. 83.87%; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The newly developed LSO showed no difference regarding its effectiveness and compliance when compared with the existing LSO, but it was more effective in correcting lumbar lordosis.

Changes in etiology and severity of dysphagia with aging.

PURPOSE: To investigate characteristics of dysphagia in the oldest-old population and the effect of aging on swallowing physiology. METHODS: 418 (364 men, 54 women) patients who underwent videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) for dysphagia were included. The patients were divided into an older group, group I (60-79 years old, n = 275) and the oldest-old group, group II (80-96 years old, n = 143). Sex, cognition, duration of symptoms, BMI (body mass index), frailty index derived from comprehensive geriatric assessment (FI-CGA), penetration aspiration scale (PAS), and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) scores and the etiologies of dysphagia were compared between the groups. The correlation analysis of BMI and FI-CGA with dysphagia severity and age was performed. RESULTS: The proportion of males, K-MMSE scores, the duration of symptoms, BMI scores and FI-CGA were significantly greater in group I than II. The PAS and VDS scores were significantly higher in group II than I. The proportion of CNS disorders was significantly higher in group I than in group II. The proportion of poor general medical condition was significantly higher in group II than in group I. A negative correlation between BMI and dysphagia severity and a positive correlation between FI-CGA and dysphagia severity were observed. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia tends to be more severe in the oldest-old, and can be caused by health conditions unrelated to swallowing. Malnutrition and frailty correlated positively with dysphagia severity, irrespective of age.

Correlation of the Korean Version of Falls Efficacy Scale-International With Quantitative Balance and Gait Parameters Through Exercise Program in Elderly Men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine correlation of the Korean version of Falls Efficacy Scale-International (KFES-I) with other gait and balance parameters through exercise program in older men. METHODS: Between July 2015 and April 2018, 50 men of 103 participants in an exercise program for preventing falls who aged over 60 years, completed the evaluation before and after the program, had fear of falling (FOF), and could walk independently as an outpatient were enrolled retrospectively. The program comprised lower extremities and core muscle strengthening exercises following stretching exercises twice a week for 8 weeks. FOF using the KFES-I, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), stair up and gait categories in MBI (MBI-gait), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were evaluated. Quantitative gait and balance parameters were measured by gait analysis, posturography, and isokinetic dynamometer. They were compared before and after the program. Moreover, correlations of KFES-I with other parameters were examined. RESULTS: Fifty participants were enrolled. After the program, significant improvements were noted in right stride length (p=0.013) in gait analysis, MBI (p=0.012), BBS (p<0.000), TUG test (p<0.000), and KFES-I (p<0.000) scores. KFES-I was significantly correlated with MBI (r=-0.35, p=0.013), and MBI-gait (r=-0.341, p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Risk of falls could be significantly improved through exercise. KFES-I had significant correlations with MBI-gait parameters. Participants showed increases in gait and balancing ability on quantitative measurements through exercises. Therefore, regular stretching, strengthening, and balancing exercises may help prevent falls in older people.