Stride length of elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: Multi-center study using the Two-Step test

Nobuyuki Fujita, Aiko Sakurai, A. Miyamoto, Takehiro Michikawa, Y. Otaka, Satoshi Suzuki, Osahiko Tsuji, Narihito Nagoshi, Eijiro Okada, Mitsuru Yagi, Takashi Tsuji, Hitoshi Kono, Ken Ishii, Masaya Nakamura, M. Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Short stride length is one of clinical symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Short stride is a risk factor for falls; therefore, identification of factors associated with short stride is critical for fall prevention in LSS patients. Although the Two-Step test can conveniently assess maximal stride length, it has not become widely used; therefore, its data are limited. We identified the potential factors associated with short stride of elderly LSS patients using Two-Step test. Methods: Clinical data of patients aged >65 years who planned to undergo surgery for LSS were prospectively collected at multiple institutions. Patients were assessed with the Two-Step test and Timed Up-and-Go Test prior to surgery; 357 consecutive patients were enrolled. We determined the cut-off value of the Two-Step test score for short stride, referring to the Timed Up-and-Go Test score of 13.5 s, used to indicate high risk of falls in elderly individuals. Logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with short stride. Results: The Two-Step test score showed moderate-to-strong inverse correlation with that of Timed Up-and-Go Test (r = −0.65, p < 0.001). Using the tentative Two-Step test cut-off value (0.93) for short stride, multivariable analysis showed that age ≥80 years (OR = 2.3, 95% CI:1.1–4.8), a score of <60 for lumbar function in Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (OR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.5–4.7), motor deficit (OR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.2–6.1), and sagittal vertical axis ≥50 mm (OR = 2.1, 95% CI:1.2–3.5) were factors significantly associated with short stride in elderly patients with LSS. Conclusions: Using the Two-Step test, we found that 80 years old and over, lumbar dysfunction, motor deficit of the lower extremities, and forward-bent posture were associated with short stride in LSS patients. Therefore, elderly LSS patients with these conditions may have a higher risk for falls.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)787-792
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Science
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09-2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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