Lumbar Flexibility Research Articles

Modelling and control of a flexible two-wheeled self-balancing mobile robot

This paper presents a dynamic control model for a flexible two-wheeled self-balancing robot based on Lagrange's equation and the theory of dynamics and mechanics. One new aspect, introduced in this paper, is the modelling of the human lumbar a spring is added to the robot to imitate lumbar flexibility and curvature. The validity of the system modelling and controller design is verified through simulation, experimental results and the implementation of the robot. Two methods were used to control the robot's posture: a Discrete Hopfield Neural Network (DHNN) and a Boltzmann machine; the results are compared and then an improved Boltzmann machine is described.

Tabelas de classificação da aptidão física para frequentadores de parques públicos

INTRODUÇÃO: Devido à difusão dos benefícios da atividade física, muitas pessoas passaram a se exercitar em parques públicos, o que incentivou o surgimento de projetos que orientam a prática nestes locais. Estes projetos precisam avaliar a aptidão física de seus clientes com testes fáceis, cujos resultados são comparados a padrões de estadiamento. Porém, os padrões existentes não se adequam à população em questão. OBJETIVO: Construir tabelas de estadiamento para a avaliação da aptidão física de adultos e idosos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados os dados de 713 avaliações feitas em indivíduos de ambos os sexos e com mais de 20 anos. Foram avaliadas a aptidão cardiorrespiratória (marcha estacionária e Cooper), a capacidade muscular (flexão de cotovelo, impulsão vertical e resistência abdominal) e a flexibilidade (sentar e alcançar e flexibilidade de ombros). RESULTADOS: Foi avaliado o percentil 50 de cada teste: marcha estacionária = 105 passadas; Cooper = 1.200m; flexão de cotovelo = 20 rep; resistência abdominal = 18 rep; força de membros inferiores: 18cm; flexibilidade de ombros = 1cm e flexibilidade lombar = 23cm. Estes resultados foram maiores que os verificados nas tabelas originais, o que confirmou a necessidade da criação das tabelas específicas. CONCLUSÃO: Foram construídas sete tabelas separadas por gênero e faixa etária e com o desempenho classificado em: fraco - < que percentil 20; regular - entre 20 e 40; médio - entre 40 e 60; bom - entre 60 e 80; e ótimo - > que o percentil 80.

족관절 테이핑이 자세 균형과 요부 유연성에 미치는 영향

Purpose : This study identifies the effect of ankle-taping on limb asymmetry, postural sway and lumbar flexibility. Ankle-taping was applied for participants of this study and the results were compared to the control group. Methods : This study targets 46 adults, in which 25 composed the test group and 21 composed the control group. All participants were interviewed. For the test group, inflexible tapes of 5mm width were applied as designed by Danaka Nobudaka while the tapes for the control group were arranged in a symmetric direction to the direction of the test group. Postural balance was measured using Mediance (Human Tech Inc, Korea) and to identify lumbar flexibility, the trunk flexion is targeted. Results : 1. The postural inclination of both the groups decreased, but a statistically significant difference is not found (p>0.05). 2. Both the groups increased, but no statistically significant difference is found (p>0.05). 3. Both the groups increased, and a statistically significant change is found (p

Diurnal Variation of Hamstring and Lumbar Flexibility

This study assessed diurnal variation of hamstring and lumbar flexibility and also measured flexibility differences between men and women. Sixty-seven healthy, recreationally active college students (M=31 and F=36; age, M=22.9+/-3.5 and F=21.7+/-2.8 years old) participated. Hamstring and lumbar flexibility measurements were taken at waking (baseline measure) and every 2 hours through a 12-hour period using the active knee extension test and modified-modified Schober test. Hamstring flexibility (M: -53.1+/-2.3 degrees, F: -46.7+/-2.8 degrees) and lumbar flexion (M: 6.9+/-1.4 cm, F: 6.0+/-1.4 cm) were lowest at baseline. Hamstring flexibility was highest at the 12-hour time point (M: -48.6+/-2.7 degrees, F: -37.4+/-2.9 degrees), whereas lumbar flexion was highest at the 10-hour time point (M: 7.5+/-0.9 cm, F: 6.9+/-1.3 cm). Hamstring flexibility of the women was significantly greater at every time point than the men's (p<0.05). Lumbar flexibility for the men was significantly greater at every time point than women (p<0.05). Both sexes experienced similar increases in flexibility for hamstrings and lumbar spine over 12 hours. Findings of this study indicate that diurnal variation and gender differences in lumbar and hamstring flexibility should be considered and controlled for in flexibility testing, training, and research.

Hip flexibility is the main determinant of the back-saver sit-and-reach test in adolescents

Although flexibility field tests are commonly used in research, sport, and school settings, there is no conclusive evidence about what they actually assess. The first aim of this study was to assess the contributions of the main joints involved in the back-saver sit-and-reach test using angular kinematic analysis. The second aim was to measure the inter-method agreement between the back-saver sit-and-reach test and the sit-and-reach test. A total of 138 adolescents (57 females, 81 males) aged 14.5 ± 1.7 years performed the back-saver sit-and-reach test and the sit-and-reach test. Hip, lumbar, and thoracic angles were assessed by angular kinematic analysis while the participants were performing the back-saver sit-and-reach test. Stepwise linear regression models and the Bland-Altman method were used. The hip angle independently explained 42% (P < 0.001) of the variance in the back-saver sit-and-reach test, the lumbar angle explained an additional 30% (P < 0.001) of the variance, and the thoracic angle an additional 4% (P < 0.001). The inter-method mean difference between back-saver sit-and-reach (BSSR) and sit-and-reach (SR) measures (BSSR – SR) was 0.41 cm (P = 0.21). The results suggest that hip flexibility is the main determinant of the back-saver sit-and-reach test score in adolescents, followed by lumbar flexibility. The back-saver sit-and-reach test can therefore be considered an appropriate and valid test for assessing hip and low-back flexibility in this age group. The back-saver sit-and-reach and sit-and-reach tests provide comparable values.

The Efficacy of Proximal Lumbar Flexibility in Main Thoracic Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study DesignRetrospective radiographic study.PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of the proximal lumbar curve flexibility compared with the traditional whole lumbar curve flexibility in patients with main thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (MT-AIS).Overview of LiteratureTraditionally the flexibility of the whole lumbar curve was measured, and the flexibility of the proximal lumbar curve was not analyzed in any study.MethodsTwenty-eight MT-AIS patients treated by anterior selective thoracic fusion (STF) were evaluated after mean follow-up of 50.1 months (range, 25 to 116 months). The male : female ratio was in 5 : 23. The man age at surgery was 14 years and 8 months (range, 11.4 to 18.4 years). The lumbar curve was divided into the proximal and distal curves by the lumbar apex.ResultsThe mean final correction rates (CR)/(flexibilities) of the MT, lumbar, proximal lumbar, and distal lumbar curves were 65.2%/(50.5%), 61.9%/(92.8%), 65.3%/(90.9%), and 36.4%/(134%), respectively. With the final lumbar CR, the lumbar flexibility (r = 0.267, p > 0.05) and the proximal lumbar flexibility (r = 0.327, p > 0.05) was similarly correlated. The mean lumbar CR was similar to the proximal lumbar CR (61.9% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.305). And the correlation between the flexibility and the CR was significant only in the proximal lumbar curve (r = 0.457, p < 0.05), but not in the lumbar curve (r = 0.267, p > 0.05) or the distal lumbar curve (r = 0.175, p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe proximal lumbar curve flexibility may be an alternative method of measuring the lumbar flexibility in MT-AIS patients treated by STF.

Comparison of four physiotherapy regimens in the treatment of long-term mechanical low back pain.

This study compared efficacy of combinations of Back Muscles Endurance Exercise (BMEE) and McKenzie Exercise (ME) and McKenzie Back Care Education (MBE) in the management of long term mechanical Low Back Pain (LBP). A single-blind randomized controlled comparative trial was employed. Seventy three participants mean age 45.3 ± 8.1 years were recruited for the study but only 53 completed the study. Participants in group A were treated with a combination of BMEE, ME and MBE. Group B: A combination BMEE and MBE. Group C: A combination of ME and MBE. Group D: MBE only. Participants were seen thrice weekly for 8 weeks. They were measured for pain intensity, lumbar flexibility, activities limitation and self esteem. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of F-test. Significance was set at 0.05 alpha-level. At the end of the study, the four treatment groups had significant reduction in pain intensity p<0.05. Post hoc analysis showed groups A, B, and C had significantly greater reduction than D, and groups A and C had significantly greater reduction than B. Groups A, B and C also had significant improvement in activities limitation p<0.05. Post hoc analysis showed groups A, B and C had significantly greater improvement than D, and group B significantly greater improvement than C. Combination physiotherapy regimens proved effective in the management of long- term mechanical LBP. Regimen A is recommended in managing long-term mechanical LBP.

Pilot Case Control Study of Postural Sway and Balance Performance in Aging Adults with Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a degenerative disease encountered in adults > 65 years, is a leading cause of back and lower extremity pain, weakness, impaired sensation and balance. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether patients with LSS demonstrate increased postural sway and impaired balance, compared to healthy counterparts. Patients with varying severity of LSS and age and gender matched controls were recruited from a tertiary care hospital, yielding 6 case-control pairs. Subjects completed generic health status (SF-36), disease specific scales (LSS) and demographic forms. Medical comorbidities were extracted from medical records. Patients received a musculoskeletal examination and performed the Functional Reach (FR) and Timed "Up & Go" (TUG) tests. Stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) measured center of pressure (COP). Patients reported moderately impaired physical function, lumbar flexibility and walked with a slightly wider base of support. TUG scores did not differ across groups. Significantly limited FR scores indicated that patients had impaired dynamic balance and were at a greater risk of falls. SDA demonstrated no significant difference in sway for patients and controls; however, patients demonstrated significantly higher critical values for antero-posterior (AP) displacement than controls. Patients with LSS, even those with mild symptoms, demonstrate decreased function and balance, particularly in the AP direction. Physical examination measures and TUG are not adequate to assess balance impairments or risk of falls in these patients. Measures such as the FR and SDA may be useful in detecting the aspects of balance impairments perceived by patients.

Qualitative postural analysis among boys and girls of seven to ten years of age

BACKGROUND: Postural abnormalities are often found in children. At this stage of life, posture undergoes many adjustments and adaptations due to body changes. Objective: To qualitatively identify the postural abnormalities which occur most frequently among children aged OBJECTIVE: Reven and ten years, comparing boys and girls, and to evaluate these subjects' lumbar flexibility. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-one children were photographed in the sagittal and frontal planes. The variables analyzed were: ankle (valgus and varus), tibiotarsal angle (opened and closed), knee (hyperextension and semiflexion, valgus and varus), pelvis (anteversion and retroversion; lateral pelvic inclination), trunk (antepulsion and retropulsion), lumbar spine (hyperlordosis and rectification), thoracic spine (hyperkyphosis and rectification), cervical spine (hyperlordosis and rectification), scoliosis, shoulder (imbalance and protraction), scapula (winged, abducted and adducted) and head (tilt and protraction). The lumbar flexibility was assessed using Schober's index. RESULTS: The boys had greater incidence of winged scapula, shoulder imbalance, protraction of shoulders and head and cervical hyperlordosis than the girls did. Conversely, the girls had greater incidence of head tilt and larger Schober index values. CONCLUSIONS: There were abnormalities in children's postural development that are probably related to muscle, skeletal and flexibility differences between the genders. These differences may influence each child's postural pattern during growth.

운동치료방법에 따른 운동과 운동중단 시 만성요통환자의 요부근력, 유연성, 주관적 통증지수에 미치는 영향

운동치료방법에 따른 운동과 운동중단 시 만성요통환자의 요부근력, 유연성, 주관적 통증지수에 미치는 영향

Effect of hamstring stretching methods on improvement of lumbar flexibility in adults.

Effect of hamstring stretching methods on improvement of lumbar flexibility in adults.

Influence of Gender, Power, and Hand Position on Pelvic Motion during Seated Cycling

An understanding of normal pelvic motion during seated cycling is relevant to saddle design and bicycle fitting. In this study, we investigated the effects of gender, power, and hand position on pelvic motion throughout a pedal stroke. We also investigated whether anthropometric factors could explain any interindividual differences observed. Twelve experienced male and 14 experienced female cyclists participated. Each subject was custom fitted to a stationary bicycle and then rode the bicycle at three power outputs (100, 150, and 200 W), with their hands in the tops and drops position. The kinematics of a triad of motion-capture markers, located on posterior pelvic landmarks, were used to characterize pelvic motion. The largest angular excursions were observed in the nonsagittal planes, with the pelvis rotating internally (approximately 3 degrees ) and rolling laterally ( approximately 2 degrees ) toward the downstroke. These pelvic rotations caused the hip on the downstroke side to translate anteriorly and inferiorly. Compared with males, females exhibited greater average anterior pelvic tilt in the drops hand position (males: 21 +/- 3 degrees ; females: 24 +/- 4 degrees ; P = 0.036). Interindividual differences in pelvic motion could not be independently explained by measures of ischial tuberosity width or hamstring flexibility. However, average anterior pelvic tilt was negatively correlated with lumbar flexibility among the males (r = 0.75; P = 0.024), suggesting that this may be an important factor to consider in bicycle fitting. We observed substantial pelvic motion during seated cycling, with experienced female road cyclists exhibiting greater average anterior tilt than their male counterparts. Pelvic motion seems to arise naturally during seated cycling and should be considered when designing saddles and establishing bicycle-fitting procedures.

Heritability of lumbar flexibility and the role of disc degeneration and body weight

Spinal range of motion is evaluated in assessing patients with back problems and monitoring outcomes, as well as in general fitness assessments. Yet, determinants of the substantial interindividual variation in spinal range of motion are not well understood. Substantial genetic effects on global measures of range of motion and hypermobility have been suggested from earlier studies, but genetic influences specifically on spinal range of motion have not been previously studied. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the relative role of genetic and environmental influences on lumbar range of motion in adult men and the pathways through which genes may influence range of motion. Thus we conducted a classic twin study of 300 monozygotic and dizygotic male twin pairs with consideration of covariates, using standard statistical methods. All subjects underwent a clinical examination, including general anthropometrics, lumbar range of motion, and lumbar MRI to assess disc degeneration, as well as an extensive interview on environmental and behavioral exposures and back pain history. We found the proportion of variance in lumbar range of motion attributable to genetic influences (heritability estimate) to be 47%. The extent of lumbar range of motion in flexion was predominantly determined by genetic influences (64%), while extension was influenced to a somewhat greater degree by environmental and behavioral factors. Statistically significant age-adjusted genetic correlations were found between lumbar extension and disc degeneration variables (r(a) = -0.38 to -0.43) and between flexion and body weight (r(a) = -0.33), suggesting two pathways through which genes influence lumbar range of motion.

Immediate Biomechanical Effects of Lumbar Posterior Dynamic Stabilization Above a Circumferential Fusion

Biomechanical in vitro human cadaveric lumbar flexibility testing with 6 sequential treatments. To compare the range of motion (ROM) of dynamic one-level posterior stabilization constructs to one-level rigid rod fixation constructs and to study the effects of extending the posterior construct to the adjacent superior level. Patients experiencing pain and biomechanical instability at one level may also present with radiographic or other indicators of early degeneration at an adjacent level. Clearly, fusion would be warranted at the symptomatic level, but the treatment plan for the adjacent level remains controversial. Additionally, the effects on adjacent motion segments above a fusion level are currently not well understood. Thirteen fresh frozen human cadaveric lumbar spines (L1-L5) were tested in 6 modes of loading: 3 were randomized to dynamic posterior stabilization constructs and 7 to a rigid rod pedicle screw system. Each group was subjected to 6 treatments. When comparing the instrumented treatments, only Treatment 6, two-level hybrid constructs, exhibited a statistically significant effect in flexion-extension bending at L2-L3 between the posterior dynamic system and rigid rod fixation (P = 0.014). ROM at the superior adjacent level (L2-L3) demonstrated no significant difference between intact, destabilized, one-level posterior fixation, and one-level circumferential fusion at the index level (L3-L4) when comparing posterior dynamic stabilization to rigid rod fixation. However, ROM at the superior adjacent level (L2-L3) was significantly greater for lateral bending and axial rotation when both levels (L2-L3 and L3-L4) were stabilized with a dynamic stabilization system. When the functional spinal units were instrumented with a two-level hybrid construct, two-level posterior instrumentation (L2-L3 and L3-L4) with a cage at the index level (L3-L4), all bending modes generated significantly greater ROM for the dynamic stabilization group at L2-L3 compared with rigid rod fixation.

Gonstead 테크닉과 SET요법이 만성요통환자의 요부신전근력과 유연성에 미치는 영향

Gonstead 테크닉과 SET요법이 만성요통환자의 요부신전근력과 유연성에 미치는 영향

Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in Athletes

A spectrum of isthmic disorders of the lumbar spine is found in athletes. Most respond to nonoperative treatment. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis should be considered as separate conditions. Surgical management for high-grade spondylolisthesis is controversial. No specific guidelines are available regarding return to sports after surgery for these disorders. Athletes requiring increased lumbar flexibility must be cautioned about possible inability to perform at elite levels post operatively.

Biological risk indicators for recurrent non-specific low back pain in adolescents

Objectives: A matched case-control study was carried out to evaluate biological risk indicators for recurrent non-specific low back pain in adolescents. Methods: Adolescents with recurrent non-specific low back pain (symptomatic;...

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Chiropractic Adjustments to Muscle Relaxants for Subacute Low Back Pain

Background The adult lifetime incidence for low back pain is 75% to 85% in the United States. Investigating appropriate care has proven difficult, since, in general, acute pain subsides spontaneously and chronic pain is resistant to intervention. Subacute back pain has been rarely studied. Objective To compare the relative efficacy of chiropractic adjustments with muscle relaxants and placebo/sham for subacute low back pain. Design A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Methods Subjects (N = 192) experiencing low back pain of 2 to 6 weeks' duration were randomly allocated to 3 groups with interventions applied over 2 weeks. Interventions were either chiropractic adjustments with placebo medicine, muscle relaxants with sham adjustments, or placebo medicine with sham adjustments. Visual Analog Scale for Pain, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, and Modified Zung Depression Scale were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Schober's flexibility test, acetaminophen usage, and Global Impression of Severity Scale (GIS), a physician's clinical impression used as a secondary outcome, were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks. Results Baseline values, except GIS, were similar for all groups. When all subjects completing the protocol were combined (N = 146), the data revealed pain, disability, depression, and GIS decreased significantly ( P < .0001); lumbar flexibility did not change. Statistical differences across groups were seen for pain, a primary outcome, (chiropractic group improved more than control group) and GIS (chiropractic group improved more than other groups). No significant differences were seen for disability, depression, flexibility, or acetaminophen usage across groups. Conclusion Chiropractic was more beneficial than placebo in reducing pain and more beneficial than either placebo or muscle relaxants in reducing GIS.

Diurnal Variation of Hamstring and Lumbar Flexibility

2409 Past studies have demonstrated that lumbar range of motion varies with time of day, with spinal flexion exhibiting the greatest variation. Research suggests variability in spinal flexion effects sport performance, activities of daily living, and occupational injury prevention. Previous studies of spinal flexion have not assessed the daily variation of hamstring flexibility nor the differences between male and female flexibility. PURPOSE: To compare diurnal variation of hamstring muscles and lumbar spine during flexion and to determine if there are any diurnal flexibility differences between males and females. METHODS: 67 healthy college students (F = 36 and M = 31; age = 22 ± 3 yrs) were recruited. Subjects had regularly exercised at least 3 times a week for the last year and averaged 6–8 hours of sleep per night for the last month. Using the active knee extension test (AKE) and modified modified Schober test (MMS) hamstring and lumbar flexibility measurements were taken at waking and every 2 hours through a 12 hour period. Exercise or vigorous activity was not permitted and physical activities (PA) were standardize into METs using the Ainsworth's Compendium of Physical Activity and Exercise from subject diaries. RESULTS: Hamstring flexibility was lowest at waking (Females −47.7 ± 15.58°, Males −53.1 ± 12.8°) and highest at the end of 12 hours (Females −37.4 ± 17.49°, Males −48.6 ± 14.9°). Lumbar flexion exhibited a similar pattern with lowest flexibility at waking (Females 6.0 ± 1.4 cm, Males 6.9 ± 1.3 cm) and highest flexibility during the 10th hour after waking (Females 6.9 ± 1.2 cm, Males 7.5 ± 0.9 cm). Females were significantly more flexible at every time period than males (p < 0.05) but both sexes experienced a similar pattern of increase in range of motion for hamstrings and lumbar spine over 12 hours. Minimum PA was at waking (Females and Males 0.9 ± 0.0 METs) while peak PA was during the 10th hour after waking (Females 1.6 ± 0.9 METs, Males 1.5 ± 0.6). While there was a statistically significant increase in PA from waking to 2 hours after waking for both sexes (Females waking 0.9 ± 0.0, waking+ 2hrs 1.4 ± 0.4 METs; Males waking 0.9 ± 0.0, waking+ 2 hrs 1.2 ± 0.3 METs) PA remained unchanged through the remaining 10 hours. PA was not significantly different between males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Hamstring and lumbar flexibility demonstrated a similar pattern during a day of normal activity for both sexes. Further study is needed to determine if different physical activity levels alters the observed pattern, and how this pattern affects performance and injury risk. Results from this study may help design flexibility programs that help optimize performance and reduce injury.

Diurnal Variation of Hamstring and Lumbar Flexibility

Diurnal Variation of Hamstring and Lumbar Flexibility