Formetric 4D Research Articles

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Greek version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) is a widely validated tool for assessing perceptions of spinal deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a Greek version of the SAQ (GR-SAQ). A cross-cultural adaptation of the SAQ following international guidelines was performed. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the GR-SAQ with the Appearance domain of Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and the Cobb angle with the Trunk Shift domain of GR-SAQ. Divergent validity was examined through the relationship between GR-SAQ, patient characteristics, and clinical measures including Cobb angle, DIERS Formetric 4D angle, and scoliometer readings. The study included 61 AIS patients (52 females, 13.91 ± 2.57years, 25.33 ± 10.14° Cobb angle). GR-SAQ exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.794) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.931, 95%CI: 0.880-0.960). Correlations between GR-SAQ and SRS-22 showed a low-to-moderate negative correlation (r = -0.351, p = 0.006). The Trunk Shift domain moderately correlated with the Cobb Angle (r = 0.393, p = 0.002). Divergent validity analyses did not demonstrate statistical significance (p > 0.05). The GR-SAQ is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating spinal deformity perception in Greek AIS patients.

The Association of Sagittal Spinal Posture among Elementary School Pupils with Sex and Grade.

The objective of this research was to analyze and elucidate the sagittal spinal posture status in older elementary school children, considering their gender and grade differences. The study involved 484 school children (252 males and 232 females) from grades V to VIII, assessed for sagittal spinal posture using the Formetric 4D System. The analysis, employing the Chi-squared test of independence along with the Z-test, did not reveal significant grade-related differences (p < 0.52) in the incidence of normal sagittal alignment or diagnosed outliers. However, within grade levels, no significant difference was observed for male participants (p < 0.80), while a significant difference was identified for females (p < 0.01). Examining gender differences across grades, a disparity was noted only among seventh graders concerning normal spine alignment and outlier existence (p < 0.01), favoring male participants. Regardless of the grade, a significant gender difference emerged in the location of diagnosed outliers: kyphosis (M = 108 vs. F = 72), lordosis (M = 5 vs. F = 14), kypholordosis (M = 18 vs. F = 66), and flatback outlier of the lumbar spine (M = 27 vs. F = 11). These findings suggest potential adjustments to the curriculum and highlight the need to tailor physical education instruction based on this study's outcomes. Consequently, these results imply the importance of a differentiated approach in preventing sagittal plane outliers of the spine in adolescent children.

Innovative technology «Plantar Support Load Simulator (Corvit)» in medical rehabilitation of children with flat foot

For the first time, the possibility of using the innovative technology «Plantar Support Load Simulator (Corvit)» in the medical rehabilitation of children with flat feet has been scientifically substantiated. Purpose. Scientific rationale for the use of innovative technology «Plantar Support Load Simulator (Corvit)» for flat feet in children. Materials and Methods. The clinical study included 30 children with flat feet aged 7 to 17 years. The study group consisted of 15 children who were treated with the plantar support load simulator «Corvit»; the comparison group (15 children) had no exposure to the plantar support load simulator «Corvit». The children of groups 1 and 2 received a standard complex of therapeutic exercises for flat feet in children. To determine the effectiveness of using support stimulation with the plantar support load simulator «Corvit», we carried out the assessment of orthopedic status, subjective determination of the severity of pain syndrome according to the VAS, determination of the functional state of the feet in statics and dynamics (DIERS pedoscan of the DIERS formetric 4D system), and the assessment of the state of microcirculation in the foot area using laser Doppler flowmetry. Results and discussion. The conducted prospective open randomized comparative study allowed us to establish relief of pain during physical activity in the area of the legs and feet and the reduction of fatigue in most children under the influence of mechanical stimulation of support zones. According to the assessment of the orthopedic status by the DIERS pedoscan of the DIERS formetric 4D system, an improvement in the support, spring, and balancing functions of the feet was revealed, characterized by an improvement in podometry and stabilometry indicators. An improvement in the state of microcirculation has been proven according to laser Doppler flowmetry in the form of an improvement in perfusion and regulatory mechanisms of the microcirculatory bloodstream. A significantly more pronounced therapeutic effectiveness of medical rehabilitation of children using the plantar support load simulator «Corvit» for flat feet in children (86.7 %), in relation to the comparison group (53.3 %), p &lt; 0.05, was established.

Forced Straightening of the Back Does Not Improve Body Shape

Background: Sitting for a long time causes various postural problems, such as slump sitting. It has been reported that employing a corrected sitting position while lifting the sternum is effective in improving this form of posture. We investigated how a corrected sitting posture with the lifting of the sternum is different from a forced position that is applied through the command and passive positions. Materials and methods: The postural angle of 270 subjects aged 19–23 years was measured in the passive, forced, and corrected positions using a Saunders inclinometer and a Formetric 4D system. Results: As a result, the corrected position had a small range (min–max) at all angles, but the forced position and passive position had a large range (min–max). The lumbar lordosis angle in the corrected position showed positive values throughout its range (min–max), while the other groups showed negative values, which indicates the kyphotic position of the lumbar section. In addition, the percentage error in the corrected position was small, but it presented high values in the other groups. When comparing the average angles between the groups, there were substantial changes observed between the corrected position and the other groups. It was found that the corrected position with the sternum lifted, which is applied to improve slump sitting in the clinical environment, exhibited an angle that differed from that of the forced position and the passive position. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a forced position on the command “scapular retraction” does not meet the clinical assumptions of posture correction, in contrast to the corrected position with the lifting of the sternum for the improvement of slump sitting. The accurate correction of the position of the sternum and sacrum improves the position of the spine in the sagittal plane, enabling physiological values for the kyphosis and lordosis angle parameters to be obtained. This approach combines the ease of execution and precision of the effect. The fact that this method does not require complex tools to accurately correct the body encourages the implementation of this solution in clinical practice.

The Influence of Body Composition on Sagittal Plane Posture among Elementary School-Aged Children.

Proper posture, characterized by the appropriate alignment of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments of the spine, enables these regions to maintain their normal curvature. Body composition is recognized as one of the factors that can influence overall postural alignment of the spine. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the parameters of body composition on the prevalence of postural disorders in the sagittal plane. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 children of both genders (78 boys), at a mean age of 11 years ± 6 months. In order to evaluate postural disorders, the Formetric 4D System, a tool manufactured by Diers, Schlangenbad, Germany was used. Based on its output data, the following variables were obtained: hyperkyphosis, hyperlordosis, kypholordosis, flatback, and normal alignment of the body in the sagittal plane. The evaluation of body composition parameters was conducted using the InBody 770 device. To determine how body composition influences the postural status of the spinal column, a discriminant analysis was employed. The results showed that approximately 65.8% of children exhibit various types of postural disorders when assessing the alignment of the spine in the sagittal plane. The most prevalent disorder observed was hyperkyphosis, affecting 34.2% of the subjects, followed by kypholordosis at 16.4%. Moreover, the results demonstrated that body composition significantly influences body posture (p = 0.004). An increase in fat mass corresponds to a deviation from normal body posture, whereas an increase in the percentage of skeletal muscle mass and fat-free mass is associated with a reduction in postural abnormalities in the sagittal plane. Considering the results, it is clear that body composition parameters serve as more reliable predictors of the influence on body posture compared to simply calculating the body mass index. Furthermore, it can be concluded that there are consistent patterns of influence by specific body composition parameters, including fat mass, percentage of skeletal muscle, and fat-free mass, on body posture among children from various climates. These results underscore the significance of implementing strength exercises in children, particularly during periods of rapid growth and development, as a means of preventing and correcting postural disorders.

The relationship between low back pain, pelvic tilt, and lumbar lordosis with urinary incontinence using the DIERS formetric 4D motion imaging system.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common public health problem and postural changes may be crucial in women presenting with UI. This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between low back pain (LBP), pelvic tilt (PT), and lumbar lordosis (LL) in women with and without UI using the DIERS formetric 4D motion imaging system. To date no study has to our knowledge compared postural changes and LBP in women with UI using the DIERS 4D formetric system. This was a case-control study. We included 33 women with UI and 33 without incontinence. The severity of urogenital symptoms was assessed by the IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Score) and UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory), and disability owing to LBP was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Posture and movement assessment, LL angle, thoracic kyphosis, and PT assessment were performed with the DIERS Formetric 4D motion imaging system. The LL angle and pelvic torsion degree were higher in the incontinence group than in the control group (53.9 ± 9.5° vs 48.18 ± 8.3°; p= 0.012, 3.9 ± 4.1 vs 2.03 ± 1.8 mm; p= 0.018 respectively). The LBP visual analog scale value was also significantly higher in the incontinence group (5.09 ± 2.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.8 respectively, p< 0.0001). The LL angle showed a positive correlation with pelvic obliquity, (r = 0.321, p< 0.01) and fleche lombaire (r = 0.472, p< 0.01) and a negative correlation with lumbar range of motion measurements. Pelvic obliquity correlated positively with pelvic torsion (r = 0.649, p< 0.01), LBP (r = 0.369, p< 0.01), and fleche lombaire (r = 0.269, p< 0.01). Women with UI were more likely to have lumbopelvic sagittal alignment changes and a higher visual analog scale for LBP. These findings show the need for assessment of lumbopelvic posture in women with UI.

Evaluation of forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis in migraine

BackgroundThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the forward head posture (FHP), thoracic kyphosis and their relationships between individuals with migraine and healthy controls using the DIERS Formetric 4D motion imaging system. MethodsIn this observational case-control study, a total of 39 migraine patients and 44 healthy subjects were enrolled. FHP and thoracic kyphosis were assessed by using the 4D Formetric DIERS system. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to evaluate neck pain and neck disability. Headache status were evaluated through Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) questionnaires. ResultsThe fleche cervicale (57.72 ± 13.72 mm vs. 40.00 ± 4.75 mm; p < 0.001) and kyphotic angle (57.39 ± 8.76° vs. 38.21 ± 5.67°; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with migraine compared to control group. When NDI categories were compared, the migraine group showed significantly increase in the number of patients with moderate or severe disability (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between fleche cervicale and thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). ConclusionsThis study revealed that patients with migraine exhibited a greater FHP and thoracic kyphosis compared to the control group. A 3-dimensional objective measurement may be a reliable diagnostic tool to evaluate posture analysis in clinical practice in the future.

Comparison of scoliosis diagnostic capabilities in screening of schoolchildren by computer optical topography and video rasterstereography using TODP and Formetric topographs

Objective. To analyze the results of scoliosis diagnostics during the examination of the same group of schoolchildren by TODP and Formetriс topographs.Material and Methods. A total of 364 schoolchildren (197 girls and 167 boys, mean age 8.92 ± 1.9 years) were examined, divided into 3 age groups: 6–8 years old (n = 135, mean age 7.22 ± 0.7 years), 8–10 years old (n = 134 children, mean age 8.95 ± 0.56 years), 10–12 years old (n = 95 children, mean age 11.35 ± 1.59 years). Schoolchildren were examined in turn by computer optical topography (TODP, released in 2021, WTOPO 5.4-2021 software) and video raster stereography (Formetric 4D released in 2015, DICAM2.6.4 software). Three standard screening poses were used for TODP, and one pose with averaging 12 frames – for Formetric.Results. The obtained statistics on the distribution of topographic analogs of the Cobb angle (the angle of lateral asymmetry for TODP and the angle of scoliosis for Formetric) showed a significant discrepancy in the percentage of detected scoliosis cases: 0–5° – 50,0 % (TODP) and 4.1 % (Formetric); 5–7° – 33.8 % and 9.3 %; 7–9° – 12.4 % and 17.9 %; 9–15° – 3.8 % and 51.6 %; 15–25° – 0,0 % and 16.2 %; 25–50° – 0,0 % and 0.8 %, respectively. Clinically significant cases of scoliosis (9° or more) in the age groups was 3.7 %, 2.2 %, 6.6 % (mean – 3.8 %) for TODP and 71.1 %, 70.1 %, 63.2 % (average – 68.7 %) for Formetric. At the same time, only 14 cases of clinically significant scoliosis (from 9° to 15°), including 9 structural and 5 compensatory scoliosis, were detected by TODP, and 250 scoliosis cases (188 – from 9° to 15°, 59 – from 15° to 25°, 3 – from 25° to 37°) – by Formetric. For 9 structural scoliosis cases (according to TODP), the Formetric diagnosis coincided completely only in 2 cases and partially in 3 (55 %), and in 5 cases of compensatory scoliosis (according to TODP) it coincided completely in 3 cases and partially in 1 (80 %).Conclusion. According to the results of topographic screening of 364 schoolchildren using the TODP topograph, 3.8 % of scoliosis cases of 9° or more was detected, which corresponds to the average screening data in a number of countries around the world. Examination of the same schoolchildren using the Formetric topograph revealed 68.7 % of cases of scoliosis of 9° or more, which allows us to judge about overdiagnosis and conclude that Formetric is poorly suited for topographic screening of scoliosis in schoolchildren.

Trunk Alignment in Physically Active Young Males with Low Back Pain.

Background: Systematic physical activity has become an essential part of the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to assess differences in trunk alignment parameters with regard to the level of physical activity in groups of individuals with and without LBP. Methods: 43 participants with LBP and 37 healthy persons were recruited. Participants were divided into two subgroups: (1) students with a moderate level of physical activity (MPA); (2) students with a high level of physical activity (HPA). An original questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of LBP. The spinal posture was measured using the Formetric 4D rasterstereographic system. Results: There were no significant differences between groups for any of the parameters assessed: trunk imbalance, trunk inclination, trunk torsion, pelvic tilt, pelvic inclination, pelvic torsion, kyphotic angle and lordotic angle. Conclusions: There are no differences in trunk alignment parameters in the sagittal, frontal and transversal planes between physically active males with and without LBP. Therefore, it can be assumed that physical activity may reduce the risk of the deterioration of trunk alignment in males with LBP younger than 25 years.

The Relationship Between the Shape of the Spine and the Width of Linea Alba in Children Aged 6-9 Years. Case-Control Study.

IntroductionCivilization development coupled with contemporary lifestyle leads to a systematic increase in postural disorders. An analysis of factors that may provoke postural disorders indicates that such a stimulus may be the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles. Moreover, abnormal activity of the rectus abdominis muscles may affect balance disorders through reduced spinal stabilization and disturbed body statics. There is an increase in body posture abnormalities between the ages of 6 and 9 related to new school duties.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the shape of the spine and the width of the linea alba in children aged 6–9 years.Material and MethodThe study was designed to evaluate parameters determining the shape of the spine, and the width of the linea alba in healthy children aged 6–9 years. The study participants were divided into two groups based on the width of the linea alba. The study group with the width of the linea alba >10 mm and the control group with the width of the linea alba ≤ 10 mm. The study group were included 37 children and the control group 24 children. The examination of the linea alba width was performed by a radiology specialist using a linear transducer and SAOTE- My Lab Classc-type ultrasound at rest and during contraction of the rectus abdominis muscles. Parameters describing the shape of the spine were measured using the Diers Formetric 4D system: trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvis tilt, pelvic torsion, kyphotic apex, lordotic apex, kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, rotation angle, trunk torsion, lateral deviation. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using a Paired t test for comparison of differences between the results in the study and control groups and Pearson's test to assess the correlation between the width of the linea alba and parameters describing spinal alignment.ResultsIn both groups, the parameters describing the shape of the spine did not differ from the norms accepted as typical for the age norm. The only statistically significant difference between the study and control group concerned the trunk inclination, which was negative in the study group, signifying a shift of the entire spine axis backwards beyond the vertical.ConclusionsThere is a correlation between the shape of spine and the width of the linea alba in terms of selected parameters determining the body posture in the sagittal plane, which concern: the position of the lumbar lordotic apex, trunk inclination and the depth of the lumbar lordotic angle. The width of the linea alba is not explicitly related to abnormalities of pelvic and spinal alignment in the frontal and transverse planes.

A 10-Week Program of Combined Hippotherapy and Scroth's Exercises Improves Balance and Postural Asymmetries in Adolescence Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction: The most frequent type of spine abnormality throughout adolescence was adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Hippotherapy improved posture, balance and gait of different musculoskeletal conditions. Therefore, this study aims to see how hippotherapy combined with Schroth exercises affected postural asymmetry and dynamic balance in AIS compared to traditional physiotherapy (Schroth exercises) alone. Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, fifty-two patients with AIS (10–18 years, 37 girls and 15 boys) participated. They were arbitrarily allocated into two groups: experimental (19 female/8 male; aged 14.74 ± 1.79 years; Cobb angle 18.59 ± 2.66 degrees) and control (18 female/7 male; aged 15.04 ± 1.81 years; Cobb angle 19.32 ± 2.69 degrees) groups. Both groups received Schroth exercises for 10 weeks, three days/week. The experimental group additionally received hippotherapy training. Pre-treatment and post-treatment assessment for the scoliotic, kyphotic angle, pelvic obliquity, pelvic torsion and vertical spinal rotation and the anteroposterior, mediolateral and overall stability indices were assessed using the formetric system 4D and Biodex Balance System, respectively. Results: After intervention, both groups illustrated significant improvements in all examined variables (p < 0.05). The experimental group illustrated significant improvements in scoliotic angle, kyphotic angle, pelvic obliquity, pelvic torsion and vertical spinal rotation and the stability indices compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In adolescence idiopathic scoliosis, hippotherapy training combined with Schroth exercises improves posture asymmetry and balancing ability more effectively than Schroth exercises alone.

Core Stabilization Exercise on the Lumbar Lordosis and Pelvic Inclination Among Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Patients

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and it is documented that &gt;90% of the cases have no defined cause for pain, called nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Alteration in the joint position, abnormal posture, and impaired muscle recruitment may result in recurrent CLBP. Lumbar lordosis (LL) provides strength against the compressive forces of gravity and it also protects the posterior spinal ligament and acts as a shock absorber for vertical forces. Increased LL is considered as a reason for radiculopathy, facet pain, and postural pain. Spinal posture and pelvic position were analyzed and documented as altered in CLBP patients. Anatomically, the anterior and posterior tilt of the back and pelvis by the force of different muscles can alter the spinal curvature. Posterior pelvic tilt in a standing position can decrease the LL. The pelvic inclination is related to the lumbar curve, and both are related to the performance and length of the back and abdominal muscles. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of core stabilization exercise on pain intensity, functional disability, LL, and pelvic inclination in NSLBP.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 63 patients aged between 20 and 60 years who met the selection criteria were included. All participants gave their written consent to participate in this study. Demographic data such as age, weight, height, and duration of the back pain were documented. Patients were asked to report their pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Disability in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Exclusion criteria were participants with musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and a history of previous fractures and systemic diseases. DIERS Formetric 4D spine and posture analyzer were used to assess spinal alignment using the light-optical scanning method on the back of patient in standing position. Angle of LL: the angle formed by the apex of LL and the T12 and L5 spinous processes. Pelvic tilt is the orientation of the pelvis in respect to the thighbones and the rest of the body. Core stabilization exercises were given for 30 min, five days a week, for 12 sessions. Pre- and posttest values were documented and analyzed.&#x0D; Result: In this experimental study, we used Pearson’s correlation coefficient to find the correlation between LL and pelvic inclination angle and found a strong positive correlation (r = 0.76; P = 0.001). The study showed that core stabilization exercise for 12 weeks’ duration had statistically significant reduction in the pain intensity (p &lt; 0.01), functional disability (p &lt; 0.002), LL (p &lt; 0.05), and pelvic inclination angle (p &lt; 0.05) among patients with chronic NSLBP.&#x0D; Conclusion: From this research, we conclude that core stabilization exercises decrease the pain intensity, functional disability, LL, and pelvic inclination angle in patients with chronic NSLBP. Thus, evaluation of the lumbar curvature and pelvic inclination, and designing the appropriate exercise is recommended in the management of NSLBP.

Between Day Reliability of DIERS Formetric 4D Measurements and the Effects of Prolonged Sitting on Five Standing Positions in Healthy University Students

Between Day Reliability of DIERS Formetric 4D Measurements and the Effects of Prolonged Sitting on Five Standing Positions in Healthy University Students

Assessment of Body Posture of Children With Chest Pain.

Objective: An increase in the appearance of chest pain among children is observed globally. The authors present various reasons for their appearance. As can be seen from numerous observations, the majority of cases are not related to the pathology of the circulatory system. Increasingly, studies on the causes of chest pain in children show their association with musculoskeletal disorders.Aim: of the work was assessment of body posture in children with chest pain using the Diers Formetric 4D system.Methods: The study involved a group of 184 female and male children, aged 7–12 years. The study group consisted of 64 patients with chest pain. The children from this group were diagnosed with functional chest pain by a cardiologist. The control group consisted of 120 patients without chest pain. The study included the assessment of body posture using the DIERS Formetric system.Results: The analysis of the results obtained during the study showed that among the children with chest pain, there are statistically significant irregularities in the parameters determining body posture compared to the control group.Comparing the study group with the control group, there is a statistically significant difference in the lateral deviation of VPDM (rms) (mm) (p = 0.001). Both children from the test group aged 9–10 and 11–12 obtained higher results than their peers from the control group. In the group of the youngest children in terms of the lateral deviation of VPDM (rms) (mm), increasing the number of children under study would contribute to significant differences in this variable.In the study group, among children aged 9–10 years, there were also statistically significant abnormalities regarding trunk imbalance and pelvic skewness compared to the children of the same age in the control group.Conclusions: Irregularities in the parameters determining body posture may cause chest pain in children.

Between Day Reliability of DIERS Formetric 4D Measurements and the Effects of Prolonged Sitting on Five Standing Positions in Healthy University Students

Between Day Reliability of DIERS Formetric 4D Measurements and the Effects of Prolonged Sitting on Five Standing Positions in Healthy University Students

Evaluation of plantar pressures and center of pressure trajectories in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been postulated to affect gait patterns and postural stability due to its effect on center of body mass. 1) Determine the correlation between Cobb angle and COP in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction, COP in the medial-lateral (ML) direction, COP oscillation (COP-O) from midline walking, peak pressures, and pressure-time integrals (loading) at 10 anatomic foot segments; 2) Determine the differences in COP-AP, COP-ML, COP-O, and peak plantar pressures at 10 anatomic foot segments between the normal group and the AIS group. All patients wore a gown to expose the posterior trunk and underwent evaluation with Formetric 4D (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) while walking on the treadmill at 2 km/hour for 15 seconds. A total of 24 pressure metrics at 10 anatomic foot segments were evaluated. We then analyzed the data using t-test and linear regression analyses.16 patients were assigned to a normal group (Cobb angle 10°or less, n=4) or AIS group (Cobb greater than 10°, n=12). Of note, AIS patients had statistically significant lower max. pressures at the hallux and the 2nd, 4th, 5th metatarsal head compared to the normal group. Additionally, there was a statistically significant linear association between Cobb angle and both hallux max. pressure and hallux pressure-time integral (P<0.05). Reduced peak plantar pressures before the toe-off phase of gait cycle indicate that AIS patients may lean backwards and have posterior postural sway, which may be associated with hypokyphosis during walking.

Effect of PSSE on postural sway in AIS using center of pressure.

We haven't known whether the center of pressure (COP) could be considered as a better indicator in the evaluation of posture and balance change after the physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) during level walking. The objective of this study was: 1) to determine changes in COP displacement in anterior-posterior (COP-AP) and medial-lateral (COP-ML) for AIS following the PSSE; 2) to find out COP oscillation(COP-OS) from the midline for the left and right foot; 3) to investigate max pressure at the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot bilaterally. AIS patients with three reflective markers on their back walked on the pressure sensors embedded treadmill at 2 km/h and their trunks were also registered by DIERS Formetric 4D system. Each child received the PSSE for 12 weeks by the same physical therapist and had a dynamic pressure analysis before and after the PSSE. Six AIS children at a mean age of 13 years and with averaged major Cobb angle of 26°were enrolled. There was an increase in COP-AP (15%) and a decrease in the COP-ML (-25%) following the PSSE. COP-OS on the left foot shifted farther away from the midline (about 16%) as the right side moved closer (-1%), which becomes more symmetrical (Pre-PSSE: 0.86mm & Post-PSSE: 0.32mm). There were increased pressures on the left (35%) and right (26%) hallux after PSSE. Pressure metrics, especially including COP-ML, COP-AP, COP-OS, and peak pressures on the forefoot, may be opted as optimal predictors to posture improvements by the means of PSSE.

The Role of Fibro-Adipogenic Progenitors in Musculoskeletal Disease

The Role of Fibro-Adipogenic Progenitors in Musculoskeletal Disease

A Pilot study on using formetric scanning method to investigate spinal deformity of Vietnamese students

The increasing trend of working time and pressure on students, especially passive posture due to using computers in the learning process with inadequate attention to health has made spinal abnormal symptoms more and more common in the world. In particular, spinal deformity is one of the reasons affecting the normal development of adolescents, causing many circulatory and respiratory diseases and leading to psychological effects as well. Early detection of spinal deformities is thus one of the important tasks in routine scoliosis screening at secondary school in many countries, but not yet in Vietnam. The purpose of this study was to test the use of the DIERS formetric 4D device to conduct a pilot study on the spinal deformity of a group of students to investigate the possibility of using this method for widespread deployment in the future of scoliosis screening program. This is a new spine measurement method that does not use ionizing radiation, gives multi-parameter results, and is suitable for periodic scoliosis screening for all ages. Experimental measurements were performed on a group of 40 students consisting of 26 males and 14 females. The results showed that most of the students had abnormal expressions such as hunchback, and scoliosis. 18 out of 40 samples showed pelvic dislocation. The above cases can be caused by prolonged sitting time, a lack of physical exercise, and a wrong sitting posture. Abnormal cases in women have some common features of living habits. The results of the mentioned pilot study allow us to determine the necessary factors to use the DIERS method in proposing the implementation of a mass screening program for spinal deformities, especially in the national school medicine program.

Surface Topography Assessments of Spine Shape Change within the Day in Healthy Male Adults

Surface topography is a no-invasive, radiation-free method that can measure sufficient surface spine parameters by the structured back surface scan and a precise anatomical landmarks recognition. The purpose of the present study was to measure the spine shape parameter changes within the day via the DIERS Formetric 4D analysis system. Ten male healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the experiment. All participants were sedentary people with the average sitting time during study or work t ≥ 8 h and without any back disease in the past six months. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, which set time points within the day as variable and shape results as the dependent variable. The significant difference could be found for the trunk length VP-DM with a one-way ANOVA test of p = 0.011. There was a significant difference (p = 0.024) between time slots of 9 am and 7 pm with 95%CI (–15.83, –1.01) and MD –8.42. No significant difference statistically for the scoliosis angle and the p-value of the one-way ANOVA test is 0.715. There was no significant difference for trunk inclination VP-DM with a one-way ANOVA test of p = 0.284. Statistical analysis depicted no significant difference for the trunk imbalance VP-DM with a one-way ANOVA test of p = 0.730. Trunk length VP-DM was significantly decreased in the afternoon and evening. This may be a potential back pain risk for sedentary individuals. Regular physical activity and mild to moderate exercise are recommended to improve spinal stability and maintain spinal shape.