The impact of the camptocormia in the functionality of the aged one

Abstract

During the aging process many alterations occur in the human organism. The gradual reduction of muscular mass, force and flexibility intervenes with the physical and functional capacity of the individual. Camptocormia is described as an abnormal posture of the trunk with severe bending of the thoracolumbar column and knees that intervenes with the functionality of the aged one. With the increasing number of aged people the study of the conditions which can diminish the autonomy of this population becomes relevant. The aim of this study is to describe, from a scientific ground on Geriatrics and Physiotherapy literature, both camptocormia and how this condition can influence the functionality of the aged one. The etiology of camptocormia is not well understood as yet. Authors show controversy as to its causes. Both psychic and organic factors are recognized as important. It is commonly established among researchers that an excessively forward projected posture cannot be considered normal. The disorganization imposed by camptocormia to the bones, articulations and muscular systems and the lack of Brazilian literature on the subject make for the study relevance. Moreover, it is important to investigate the relation of camptocormia to physical and functional alterations frequently found in aged people. To make it possible the study was based on the biomechanics of postural alterations shown in camptocormia, however unrelated to it in scientific literature. Further studies on longitudinal body posture are necessary, so that all the biomechanical and functional alterations can be described and the kinetic-functional diagnosis obtained, as well as a safe form of physiotherapeutic intervention is found.