Effects of lower trunk movement in flat-back syndrome during stair climbing: A technical note

Abstract

This study investigated the differences in trunk sway during stair climbing between people with normal spinal alignment and people with flat-back syndrome. Twelve male volunteers with flat-back syndrome (global angle < 20 degrees) and 12 male volunteers with normal spinal alignment (global angle between 20 degrees and 30 degrees) were enrolled. An accelerator was attached to the third lumbar spine and the sway of each participant's trunk was measured during stair climbing. Participants with flat-back syndrome showed significant differences in vector, anteroposterior sway, and vertical sway of the trunk during stair climbing (p< 0.05). However, mediolateral sway of the trunk and gait time did not significantly differ between groups (p> 0.05). Our findings can be used as baseline data for prevention of back pain. Furthermore, increased trunk sway can cause increased energy usage, leading to inefficient gait. Further research is needed to prevent this problem.