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Introduction: Hyperkyphosis is a prevalent spinal malalignment among the elderly, often associated with reduced physical activity, impaired mobility, poor sleep quality, and increased sedentary behavior. While several studies have examined the corrective potential of supportive orthoses for hyperkyphosis, their impact on broader health-related outcomes – such as quality of life, sleep, and activity patterns – remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of wearing a supportive orthosis for 72 hours on macro- and micro-level walking parameters, sleep quality, and sedentary behavior in elderly individuals with hyperkyphosis.

Methods: Sixteen elderly workers (age=61y, height=168 cm, weight=74 kg, BMI=26.4) diagnosed with hyperkyphosis were enrolled in a randomized crossover study. Each participant underwent two conditions: (1) with the supportive orthosis and (2) without it, each lasting 72 hours (three consecutive days). An Axivity (AX6, York, UK, 100Hz, 2000dps) accelerometer was affixed to the fifth lumbar vertebra to continuously record physical activity (gait micro and macro, sedentary behaviours and sleep quality). Data were processed using a custom-developed algorithm to quantify walking parameters (macro and micro), sedentary time, and sleep quality metrics (Del-Din et al., 2015; Migueles et al., 2019). Paired comparisons between conditions were conducted using t-tests.

Results: Wearing the supportive orthosis led to statistically significant improvements across several domains. Participants demonstrated a 15% increase in daily walking duration (p=0.05), a 17% increase in total steps taken per day (p=0.04), and a 17.5% increase in average walking bout duration (p=0.01). Furthermore, walking symmetry improved, with an 8% reduction in asymmetry (p=0.05). Activity duration rose by 19% (p=0.01), while sedentary behavior decreased by 9% (p=0.01). Notably, sleep regularity improved by 24% (p=0.03), indicating enhanced sleep quality.

Discussion: The results highlight the potential of supportive orthoses to positively impact functional mobility and overall well-being in elderly individuals with hyperkyphosis. By promoting greater walking efficiency, reducing sedentary time, and enhancing sleep patterns, orthosis use appears to support a healthier and more active lifestyle. These findings suggest that orthotic intervention can be a practical, non-invasive approach to improve quality of life and daily functioning in this population.

Conclusion: Wearing a supportive orthosis for 72 hours significantly improved walking performance, reduced sedentary behavior, and enhanced sleep quality in elderly workers with hyperkyphosis. These findings suggest that orthoses can be an effective tool for promoting mobility and overall well-being in this population.