Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate correlations between parameters of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane, measured with the use of photogrammetric technique and inclinometer in healthy elderly women.MethodsRandomized study involved 50 females, ranging from 50 to 70 years of age (mean 62.26 ± 6.94); mean body mass index (BMI) 27.69 ± 4.79. The examined parameters included angle of inclination in lumbosacral spine (ALFA), thoracolumbar transition (BETA), upper thoracic segment (GAMMA), angle of lumbar lordosis (LLA) and thoracic kyphosis (TKA). Results obtained with gravitational inclinometer were compared with those identified with photogrammetry method. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann–Whitney U test, regression analysis and Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsIn Mann–Whitney U test, with correction due to continuity, no statistically significant differences for any variable were found. Regression analysis was significant only for the variable of BETA angle. Bland–Altman coefficient for the respective angles was: ALFA 2.0%, BETA 4%, GAMMA 0%, LLA 2% and TKA 0%.ConclusionsThe results acquired with gravitational inclinometer and with photogrammetric technique are comparable, as the parameters of anteroposterior spinal curvatures acquired with these two methods are found to be compatible in the case of measurements of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis.
Highlights
One of the basic examinations performed by physiotherapists involves assessment of body posture, including diagnosis of anteroposterior spinal curvatures
Parameter B was equal to 0.24 for this variable, which means that when BETA angle increases by about 1 point on the gravitational inclinometer it increases by about 0.24 in photogrammetry measurement
Among the specialist publications we can encounter articles discussing concurrent validity of various techniques designed for assessing body posture [12, 23,24,25], yet no research has previously been reported to compare the methods based on photogrammetry and gravitational inclinometer, which has been done in the present study
Summary
One of the basic examinations performed by physiotherapists involves assessment of body posture, including diagnosis of anteroposterior spinal curvatures. This is necessary, regardless of the problem reported by a patient, since many factors may impact the shape of these curvatures [1,2,3], which should be taken into account in designing physiotherapy. The shape of spinal curvatures is relatively easy to examine, both with invasive methods, such as X-ray, and noninvasive tools such as ultrasound Metrecom System, Zebris, photogrammetric technique, inclinometer, frequently used in screening examinations [5,6,7,8,9]. Purchasing majority of these tools is very costly These methods differ in the measuring technique, and due to this the obtained results are difficult to compare. In view of the above, further research is needed to identify whether or not specific frequently applied methods produce consistent results
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