Prospective study of spinal orthoses in women.

BACKGROUND: There are not many clinical trials investigating the efficiency and compliance of using spinal orthoses in the management of osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term use and the compliance of spinal orthoses in postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures. STUDY
DESIGN: Clinical trial of spinal orthoses in postmenopausal women.
METHODS: Women were separated into groups wearing different types of orthoses (Spinomed, Osteomed, Spinomed active, and Spine-X). Isometric maximum strength of trunk muscles (F/Wabdominals-extensors) was calculated and back pain was assessed in all women. In addition, women completed a compliance questionnaire about the use of the orthoses.
RESULTS: Spinomed decreased pain (p = 0.001) and increased trunk muscle strength (F/Wabdominals, p = 0.005 and F/Wextensors, p = 0.003, respectively). The compliance of wearing an orthosis for 6 months was 66%.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that orthoses could be an effective intervention for back pain and muscle strengthening in osteoporotic women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In women with established osteoporosis, wearing Spinomed orthosis for at least 2 h/day for 6 months decreased back pain significantly and increased personal isometric trunk muscle strength. All spinal orthoses could be valuable instruments to help all requested rehabilitation programs like spine muscles' strengthening and postural correct behavior, but only when used properly. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.