Factors associated with stair climbing independence at discharge in patients with vertebral compression fractures and their interrelationships: a study using decision tree analysis.
Kodai Hosaka, Hiroshi Otao, Eri Nishi and 3 others
PMID 39493679WHAT IT FOUND
For women with vertebral compression fractures, muscle mass and age at admission predicted stair independence at discharge.
Those with skeletal muscle mass index below 4.48 kg/m2 or age over 90.5 years were more likely to need assistance. Grip strength below 11.9 kg also flagged risk.
Key findings
01Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and age at admission were the primary factors associated with stair climbing independence at discharge.
02Patients with an SMI of less than 4.48 kg/m2 and grip strength of less than 11.9 kg at admission were predicted to require assistance with stair climbing at discharge.
03If SMI was greater than 4.48 kg/m2, patients older than 90.5 years at admission were more likely to require assistance.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only female patients, so results may not apply to men. Psychological factors like pain and self-efficacy, which affect stair climbing, were not measured. Data came from a single center, limiting generalizability. The study was retrospective, relying on existing medical records.
Declared interests
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these cutoffs apply to men or patients with different fracture etiologies, as the study only included women. Also, do not interpret the decision tree as proving causation; it identifies associations at admission that predict discharge status, not necessarily the sole drivers of recovery.