Methods of evaluation of posture in elderly: A bibliometric study of the scientific production of the bvs database

With the advancement of the years, it is observed the reduction of the tissues’ function that covers the joints, resulting in decreased range of motion and joint flexibility. These changes are perceptible in the curvatures of the spine, and as a consequence may limit the elderly. This study aims to identify the methods used to analyze the posture in elderly. To perform this analysis, the use of bibliometrics was used as a methodology, by inserting the keywords spine, curvatures and elderly in the Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS) database. With a total of 286 articles generated through the search, started the organization and categorization of the data. The articles were divided into two categories: 1) image exams, motion analysis systems, flexicurve and photogrammetry associated with softwares, and 2) x-ray and dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry. The results showed that radiography was the most used method to analyze vertebral curvatures in elderly (68%), followed by motion analysis systems (13%), flexicurva (11%) and photogrammetry associated with softwares (8%). Among the image exams it is possible to mention the radiography (96%) and dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry(4%). It is concluded the radiography is the most used method to evaluate the curvatures of the spine in elderly.