2025 Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 819-825
The TOEI study is a cohort study of physical examinations that have been conducted every two years since 2012 as part of the community health examinations in Toei Town, Aichi Prefecture. The most significant feature of this study is that it is possible to accumulate longitudinal data over 10 years. Whereas most studies have been limited to cross-sectional studies, the TOEI study is taking advantage of the strengths of longitudinal research, allowing the analysis of changes over time.
This report emphasizes that changes of spinal alignment in elderly people were observed earlier in women than in men. In addition, the progression of low back pain was found to be related to spinopelvic parameters and motor function decline. Kyphosis of spinal alignment was more common in the upper lumbar spine, and the sacral slope and inflection point were found to be risk factors over time.
Through these new findings based on long-term data, we will continue to contribute to the prevention and treatment of low back pain and of spinopelvic alignment deterioration.
