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Older adults are at risk of osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are associated with a reduced cross-sectional area and muscle strength of the back extensor muscles, increased intramuscular fat infiltration and thoracic and lumbar curvature alterations. This study proposed a protocol to examine in more detail the contributions of altered spinal morphological, physical performance and biochemical markers to the risk of developing osteoporotic vertebral fractures. In this cross-sectional study, we plan to recruit 100 adults aged 50 years and above from an orthopaedic clinic, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The fracture prediction tool (FRAX) will be used to categorise high and low risk groups. Back muscle strength will be quantified using a load cell system. Thoracolumbar curvatures will be examined using an electromagnetic tracking system and intramuscular fat infiltration in the lumbar muscles will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The Short Physical Performance Battery and JAMA dynamometer will quantify physical performance and the European Quality of Life Questionnaire will be used to assess self-perceived quality of life. Biochemical markers of serum C terminal telopeptide and N terminal propeptide of type I procollagen will be assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays kit. A spine-specific model using regression analysis will be developed to predict osteoporotic vertebral fractures using the measured parameters in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The prospective pre-post control study was designed to evaluate the effect of introducing balance-focused interactive virtual-reality games to community-dwelling older women to improve their agility, balance and functional mobility. Method The study was set in a senior citizens' club in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The participants were 36 community-dwelling older women. Participants were randomly divided into either a group undertaking balance-focused virtual-reality games or a group doing therapeutic balance exercises. The program lasted 6 weeks and was conducted twice a week for 40 min during each session. As the main outcome measures, the results of the Ten Step Test (TST), postural sway (overall performance index, OPI) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were measured pre- and post-intervention to evaluate agility, balance and functional mobility, respectively. Results Although both groups improved in OPI (F = 4.63, p < 0.001), TST (F = 46.15, p < 0.001) and TUG (F = 52.57, p = 0.03), combined time and group interaction only improved in the TUG (F = 4.54, p < 0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were found in terms of TST (F = 0.02, p = 0.86), OPI (F = 0.66, p = 0.42), and TUG (F = 0.11, p = 0.74). Conclusion Older people could improve their agility, balance and functional mobility by complementing therapeutic balance exercises with active participation in interactive virtual-reality games at home or in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]