Association between frailty status and pain, balance, and quality of life in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Background/aim: Frailty is a clinical syndrome that affects individuals physically and psychosocially. However, the association between lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and frailty remains unclear. This study aimed to compare pain, balance, disability, fear of falling, and quality of life between patients with LSS with and without frailty. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 43 frail and 48 nonfrail patients with LSS according to the frailty criteria of Fried et al. Pain intensity (numeric rating scale NRS), static balance (single leg stance test SLST), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test TUG), disability (Oswestry Disability Index ODI), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale–International FES-I), and quality of life (Short form-36 SF-36) were assessed. Results: Frailty was observed in 47.3% of patients, and baseline characteristics were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). NRS scores for low back and leg pain, ODI and FES-I scores, and TUG test durations were significantly higher in frail patients with LSS than in nonfrail patients (p < 0.05). SLST durations and SF-36 subscale scores were significantly lower in frail patients with LSS (p < 0.05). TUG duration (p = 0.001, OR = 1.482), physical activity level (p = 0.007, OR = 0.999), and the SF-36 vitality subscale (p = 0.031, OR = 0.968) were significantly associated with frailty in the logistic regression model (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Frail patients with LSS experience greater pain intensity, balance disorders, disability, fear of falling, and poorer quality of life. Moreover, reduced mobility, lower physical activity levels, and decreased vitality are associated with a higher likelihood of frailty in patients with LSS. Therefore, early assessment of frailty in patients with LSS and the implementation of personalized rehabilitation approaches may help mitigate its negative impact.