Differences in Anthropometric Measurements Between Spinal and Extraspinal Disorders

Introduction Spinal pain is the leading global cause of disability, affecting quality of life [1]. Despite its prevalence, evidence on risk factors is limited [2]. Recent studies suggest relations between back pain and changes in anthropometric measurements, contributing to spinal imbalance and degeneration [3,4]. Understanding these links can help clinicians offer recommendations to prevent back pain [5]. Aim To evaluate differences in anthropometric measurements between patients with spinal and extraspinal disorders. Methods A study measuring anthropometric data was conducted at Kaunas Hospital, Department of Neurology, Lithuania in 2024, with voluntary patients, who were able to stand on the scales without discomfort. Patients with degenerative disease, spondylolisthesis, and vertebral fractures were assigned to spinal disorders (SD). With transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke – into extraspinal disorders group (ESD). Data were collected using Omron Body Composition Monitor BF511: Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Fat (BF), Skeletal Muscle (SM), Visceral Fat Level (VFL), Bone Mass (BM). IBM SPSS was used for Mann-Whitney U tests; descriptive statistics; Independent-Samples T test; Chi-Square. Kaunas Biomedical Ethics Committee permit, and patient consent were obtained. Results 83 patients tested, 43 (19 male; age mean was 60 ± 14.9) were treated for SD and 40 (18 male; age mean was 68 ± 10.6) had ESD. Gender distribution was not significant between the groups (χ²(1) = 0.006, p = 0.941). Between male and female groups, there was no significant difference in BMI (p > 0.05). However, WC, BF, SM, VFL differed significantly (p < 0.05) when comparing male and female patients. BMI was significantly higher in patients with SD, compared to patients with ESD (p = 0.02). BMI median was 29.7 kg/m2 (IQR = 7.8; range: 21.4 – 45.1) with SD and 28.2 kg/m2 (IQR = 5.1; range: 19.1 – 34.9) with ESD. Means were 30.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2 and 27.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2 respectively. Male patients with SD had significantly higher WC and BF. WC median in SD group was 112 cm (IQR = 19), in ESD: 100.5 cm (IQR = 15; p = 0.038); BF medians of male patients with SD and ESD were 32.5% (IQR = 9) and 24.1% (IQR = 9.4; p = 0.015) respectively. VFL and SM did not differ between male patients with SD and ESD (p > 0.05). Male VFL and SM medians were 13 (IQR = 8) and 32.7% (IQR = 7) respectively. In the female population, anthropometric measurements did not differ between female patients with SD and ESD (p > 0.05). WC median: 94 cm (IQR = 19); BF median: 38.3% (IQR = 8.6); SM median: 26.8% (IQR = 4.9); VFL median: 10.5 (IQR = 5). Conclusions Male patients treated for spinal disorders had significantly higher waist circumference and body fat percentage compared to patients treated for extraspinal disorders. Female patients, treated for spinal and extraspinal disorders had no anthropometric difference.