Trunk Shape Research Articles

Analysis of Body Trunk Shape of Elderly Women in Sitting Posture

Analysis of Body Trunk Shape of Elderly Women in Sitting Posture

Perception of stress level, trunk appearance, body function and mental health in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated conservatively: a longitudinal analysis

PurposeIn the presented study, we aimed to assess changes over time in the perception of trunk deformity, body function, stress level and mental health in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated conservatively with a Cheneau brace, taking the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS), Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and Bad Sobberheim Stress Questionnaires (BSSQ) criteria of evaluation into consideration.MethodsThe study design was comprised of three questionnaire assessments, with the second and the third evaluation taking place 6 and 12 months after the beginning of the study, respectively. Thirty-six females treated conservatively were asked to fill in the TAPS, SRS-22 and BSSQ forms.ResultsIn regards to TAPS, the results differed between the 1st and the 2nd assessment in Figure 2 only (p = 0.013). The difference between the 1st and the 3rd evaluation concerned Figure 3 and the total score (p = 0.011 and p = 0.005, respectively). The SRS-22 and BSSQ results of study participants did not differ significantly between the 1st and the 2nd, between the 2nd and the 3rd and between the 1st and the 3rd evaluations.ConclusionsThe study indicated that the assessment of girls with AIS concerning body function and mental health did not deteriorate in the course of orthosis treatment. Furthermore, they showed improvement in perceptions particularly in regards to trunk shape. We pointed out that the negative perceptions of mental health, self-image and low level of activity held by females with AIS coexisted with severe emotional distress. Moreover, factors that improved functioning or subjective physical appearance ratings in particular, such as level of activity, were indicated.

Noninvasive Clinical Assessment of Trunk Deformities Associated With Scoliosis

Besides the spinal deformity, scoliosis modifies notably the general appearance of the trunk resulting in trunk rotation, imbalance and asymmetries which constitutes patients' major concern. Existing classifications of scoliosis, based on the type of spinal curve as depicted on radiographs, are currently used to guide treatment strategies. Unfortunately, even though a perfect correction of the spinal curve is achieved, some trunk deformities remain, making patients dissatisfied with the treatment received. The purpose of this study is to identify possible shape patterns of trunk surface deformity associated with scoliosis. First, trunk surface is represented by a multivariate functional trunk shape descriptor based on 3D clinical measurements computed on cross sections of the trunk. Then, the classical formulation of hierarchical clustering is adapted to the case of multivariate functional data and applied to a set of 236 trunk surface 3D reconstructions. The highest internal validity is obtained when considering 11 clusters that explain up to 65% of the variance in our dataset. Our clustering result shows a concordance with the radiographic classification of spinal curves in 68% of the cases. As opposed to radiographic evaluation, the trunk descriptor is three-dimensional and its functional nature offers a compact and elegant description of not only the type, but also the severity and extent of the trunk surface deformity along the trunk length. In future work, new management strategies based on the resulting trunk shape patterns could be thought of in order to improve the esthetic outcome after treatment, and thus patients satisfaction.

Nondestructive measurement of cross-sectional shape of a tree trunk

To evaluate windthrow resistance with respect to stem breakage, a nondestructive method for determining the shape of trunk cross sections was developed. In this method, the coordinates of multiple gauge points set on the perimeter of a trunk are calculated by measuring the distances between them. The shape between the gauge points is generated with the use of a profile gauge placed between them. Measurement tests were conducted using profile gauges with lengths of 300 and 900 mm on model specimens with four shape patterns and four different diameters. The accuracy of the estimation was verified by comparing the section modulus calculated for the generated image and for the photograph. The average ratio of section modulus (generated/photo) for all specimens was 0.994, which indicates that the proposed method is highly accurate. The section moduli of hollow trunks can be evaluated using the profile method together with the drill resistance technique on the condition that 26% of the trunk diameter could be drilled without skew.

Brace technology thematic series - The Sforzesco and Sibilla braces, and the SPoRT (Symmetric, Patient oriented, Rigid, Three-dimensional, active) concept.

BackgroundBracing is an effective strategy for scoliosis treatment, but there is no consensus on the best type of brace, nor on the way in which it should act on the spine to achieve good correction. The aim of this paper is to present the family of SPoRT (Symmetric, Patient-oriented, Rigid, Three-dimensional, active) braces: Sforzesco (the first introduced), Sibilla and Lapadula.MethodsThe Sforzesco brace was developed following specific principles of correction. Due to its overall symmetry, the brace provides space over pathological depressions and pushes over elevations. Correction is reached through construction of the envelope, pushes, escapes, stops, and drivers. The real novelty is the drivers, introduced for the first time with the Sforzesco brace; they allow to achieve the main action of the brace: a three-dimensional elongation pushing the spine in a down-up direction.Brace prescription is made plane by plane: frontal (on the "slopes", another novelty of this concept, i.e. the laterally flexed sections of the spine), horizontal, and sagittal. The brace is built modelling the trunk shape obtained either by a plaster cast mould or by CAD-CAM construction. Brace checking is essential, since SPoRT braces are adjustable and customisable according to each individual curve pattern.Treatment time and duration is individually tailored (18-23 hours per day until Risser 3, then gradual reduction). SEAS (Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis) exercises are a key factor to achieve success.ResultsThe Sforzesco brace has shown to be more effective than the Lyon brace (matched case/control), equally effective as the Risser plaster cast (prospective cohort with retrospective controls), more effective than the Risser cast + Lyon brace in treating curves over 45 degrees Cobb (prospective cohort), and is able to improve aesthetic appearance (prospective cohort).ConclusionsThe SPoRT concept of bracing (three-dimensional elongation pushing in a down-up direction) is different from the other corrective systems: 3-point, traction, postural, and movement-based. The Sforzesco brace, being comparable to casting, may be the best brace for the worst cases.

The use of forest-derived specific gravity for the conversion of volume to biomass for open-grown trees on agricultural land

Accounting for agroforestry contributions to carbon sequestration and cellulosic feedstock production requires biomass equations that accurately estimate biomass in open-grown trees. Since equations for open-grown trees are rare and developing these is expensive, existing forest-based equations are an attractive alternative for open-grown trees in carbon accounting and biomass modeling. How accurate this alternative is depends on how similar the key attributes, such as specific gravity, trunk shape, and crown architecture, are between open- and forest-grown trees. We evaluated the use of forest-derived specific gravity for conversion of volume to biomass for morphologically distinct open-grown species: green ash, ponderosa pine, and eastern redcedar. Trunk biomass was consistently and significantly underestimated from 6.3% to 16.6% depending on species, indicating open-grown trees have greater trunk specific gravity than forest-grown counterparts within the same geographic region; however a conclusive difference in branch specific gravity was not found between open- and forest-grown trees. Open-grown trees have greater trunk specific gravity, sharper trunk taper, and larger crown. When forest-based equations are used for trunk biomass of open-grown trees, the greater trunk specific gravity results in underestimation; however, the sharper trunk taper results in overestimation. Studies are needed to examine whether the underestimation could be offset by the overestimation and how the larger crown affects biomass estimation when forest-based equations are used for open-grown trees. Our results provide an essential understanding to interpret the biometric relationship of open- to forest-grown trees and to develop an efficient means how forest-based equations might be best modified for open-grown trees.

Scoliosis and Rett syndrome

Our understanding of the rare progressive neuromuscular disorder associated with the name of Andreas Rett has advanced significantly in the last 20 years. This includes the consequences for the musculoskeletal system. What have we learned? Scoliosis is exceedingly common in Rett syndrome, developing in 50 to 90% of individuals with the condition. It often appears during juvenile growth, worsens rapidly during adolescence, and continues to progress in severity after skeletal maturation. In its more severe forms it can impair sitting and positioning, reduce pulmonary function, and cause pain. Like scoliosis associated with cerebral palsy, it occurs with greater frequency in individuals with more extensive developmental impairment, particularly when regression of skills is noted before 6 months of age and when walking is never achieved or is lost before maturation. Unlike cerebral palsy, the risk of scoliosis in Rett syndrome appears to be linked to specific chromosomal changes. Of the numerous mutations of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) at chromosome Xq28, two mutations (R294X and R306C) are known to be associated with milder developmental impairment and reduced risk for developing scoliosis.1, 2 Other mutations of MECP2 may be found to be associated with increased risk of severe developmental impairment and the formation of scoliosis. The study of Riise et al.3 affirms the link between more severe developmental impairment and increased risk of scoliosis. The authors also suggest that a link may exist between patterns of scoliosis in Rett syndrome and the severity of the developmental impairment. They found a tendency for individuals with more severe manifestations of Rett syndrome to have long single curves in which the pelvis acts as an end-vertebra, resulting in pelvic obliquity. Milder manifestations of Rett syndrome were associated with balancing double curves, usually of smaller magnitude. In Rett syndrome, physiotherapy is valued for encouraging flexibility, strength, and movement but therapy appears to have no effect on curve behavior. Spinal bracing slows the pace of curve progression but seems incapable of preventing the formation of large curves. Slowing the rate at which curves progress (and improving trunk shape and balance) has merit but braces can be difficult to wear. Successful spinal fusion surgery yields a smaller deformity and a more balanced trunk, and may improve pulmonary function and reduce pain. The result is appreciated by parents and other care providers but it is a complex technical procedure and a major physiological challenge that is prone to complications.4, 5 If future studies demonstrate a relationship between specific MEPC2 mutations and the risk for developing certain patterns of scoliosis or large, severe, curves then we, as clinicians, may be able to properly focus our worry and our interventions. For the group of patients prone to severe curves or curves associated with pelvic obliquity and poor sitting posture, spine fusion could be completed before the deformity necessitates both anterior and posterior surgical approaches, and before the general deterioration of health increases the risk of serious complications.6 For other patients, physiotherapy, bracing, and specialized seating arrangements could be employed as needed to assist in individual care.

A trial improving the trunk shape and tree vigor recovery of Yamazakura affected by a canker in the urban park. Part 1

A trial improving the trunk shape and tree vigor recovery of Yamazakura affected by a canker in the urban park. Part 1

Study on Different Sports Courses Influence on College Students

With the experimental method and the test method, research on different sports elective course in Colleges Students’ endurance quality of experiment and comparative analysis, designed to test different sports elective course to promote the students physical quality of endurance quality variation. The results show that, the various items on students’ physique has different effects, basketball, soccer, aerobics, taekwondo and table tennis in the promotion of College Students’ body shape, physical fitness and physical function each has its own merits. Basketball, soccer, aerobics and table tennis with reduced fat, weight control, to improve the capacity and lower limb movement ability has significant effect; aerobics has decreased thigh girth, improve the body flexibility, shape and size effect. Taekwondo Courses on College Students’ flexibility is good exercise, basketball, football, table tennis can effectively reduce the students’ heart rate; basketball, soccer, aerobics, taekwondo and table tennis in college students can improve their waist muscle strength and endurance, the trunk shape correction and keep good effect.

Acanthochondria cyclopsetta Pearse, 1952 and A. alleni n. sp. (Copepoda; Cyclopoida; Chondracanthidae) from flatfish hosts of the U.S.A., with comments on the taxonomic position of A. zebriae Ho, Kim & Kumar, 2000 and A. bicornis Shiino, 1955 and the validity of Pterochondria Ho, 1973

A redescription of Acanthochondria cyclopsetta Pearse, 1952 (Copepoda; Chondracanthidae), hitherto reported only from the Mexican flounder, Cyclopsetta chittendeni Bean (Pleuronectiformes; Paralichthyidae), from Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico, is presented based on female specimens from the spotfin flounder, Cyclopsetta fimbriata (Goode & Bean), collected off the coast of South Carolina, U.S.A. Furthermore, a description of the male of A. cyclopsetta is provided for the first time. Acanthochondria alleni n. sp. is also described based on specimens of both sexes collected from the fantail sole, Xystreurys liolepis Jordan & Gilbert (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae), caught in the Southern California Bight, U.S.A. These two species of Acanthochondria differ morphologically from their congeners by having a Type B-V antennule and elongate leg 2 rami (Type D), but can be distinguished from each other by differences in head shape, trunk shape, the relative size of the posterolateral processes of the trunk, the relative size of the abdominal somite, the insertion point of the caudal ramus, shape of the antennule tip, ornamentation of the antennal claw, ornamentation of the labrum, number of accessory teeth on the maxilliped claw, and ornamentation of legs 1 and 2 of the adult female. The taxonomic position of Acanthochondria zebriae Ho, Kim & Kumar, 2000 and A. bicornis Shiino, 1955 as well as the validity of the chondracanthid genus Pterochondria Ho, 1973 are also discussed.

Evaluation of reducibility of trunk asymmetry in lateral bending.

The value of the lateral bending test is important in the assessment of spinal curve mobility and prediction of surgical outcome in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, radiographic bending tests are unable to assess the reducibility of trunk asymmetry. This study aims to exploit surface topography measurement in order to evaluate the changes in shape of the trunk (a) between bending and neutral standing positions, and (b) between standing pre- and post-operative visits, in a cohort of adolescents with AIS having undergone surgical correction; and to correlate the differences measured in cases (a) and (b). Our cohort includes 13 patients with right thoracic AIS. Each patient had their 3D trunk surface digitized with a multi-head InSpeck system in standing posture (at the pre-op and post-op visits) and in maximum voluntary right and left bending (at the pre-op visit). We developed a novel trunk shape analysis method which produces a set of inclined trunk cross-sections allowing comparison between different postures. Two asymmetry indices, trunk rotation (TR) and back surface rotation (BSR), were computed in all cases and a statistical analysis was performed. Our correlation study (Pearson test) showed fair correlations in most cases between the changes in side-bending and those post-surgery, with the strongest relationship (p-value < 0.01) when combining the TR measurements from both bendings. These results provide evidence that the bending test can be used to assess trunk asymmetry reducibility. The proposed approach could provide a non-invasive trunk asymmetry reducibility test for routine clinical use in AIS surgery planning.

Ramification of Glisson’s sheath peripheral branches and clinical implications in the era of local ablation therapy

Classical anatomical resection does not always guarantee tumor-free margins when the tumor overrides traditional anatomical planes. Surgeons and interventionists frequently need to focus on the peripheral branches of Glisson's sheath in patients with poor hepatic reserves, particularly when the tumor is deep seated. The present study used anatomical liver dissection to investigate the spatial distribution of the branches of Glisson's sheath in each of four liver sectors. Sixty-four adult human liver specimens were dissected. The size and ramification patterns of Glisson's sheath in each sector were analyzed in terms of bilateral homology within two paramedian sectors and within two lateral sectors. Each liver sector had a characteristic Glisson's sheath in terms of trunk shape and ramification pattern. The two paramedian sectors showed point symmetry. Most of the branches of the two paramedian sectors emerged from the top of a short stout trunk. Although the two paramedian sectors were similar in terms of basic configuration, the ramification axes were almost perpendicular to each other. Unlike the paramedian sectors, the two lateral sectors showed not much homology. The peripheral branches of Glisson's sheath were generally longer (approximately 5cm) and thicker than anticipated. Extirpation strategies should take into account that each liver sector has a characteristic Glisson's sheath ramification pattern.

Identification of the anterior sectoral trunk with particular reference to the hepatic hilar plate and its clinical importance

At the hilum of the liver, there is a structure called the hilar plate, which is of great surgical importance because all variations in the bile ducts and blood vessels occur within this region. The Rex-Cantlie line does not always pass the point of portal bifurcation. Classifying portal vein (PV) variations based on the shape and origin of anterior sectoral trunk (AST) within the hepatic plate system will be of higher anatomical and surgical value than the conventional method based on PV ramification. We investigated PV variations in the hilar plate in terms of combinations of 4 hepatic sectoral trunks rather than successive ramification of the PV. The combination patterns of each sectoral trunk were analyzed using data from adult cadaver liver dissection (n = 64) and multi-detector computed tomography (n = 216) of human livers. The AST root position on the hilar plate varies, in contrast to the other sectoral trunks, which are relatively consistent in their root position. Three types of PV variations were identified based on the AST root position. In addition, 4 similar but different shapes (I, Y, V, and U) of AST were identified. Not only the root position in the hepatic hilar plate but also the shape of AST can be considered as the major determinants of PV variations.

Description of human body shape using an isomorphic polygon

A novel polygon model describing human body shape is developed. Firstly, a method of expressing an arbitrary point on a polygon mesh using the UV plane is proposed. An isomorphic feature of the model enables us to fit the polygon model to three-dimensional (3D) measurements by means of the least square method. Secondly, in order to optimise the model structure, vertices of the model are allocated to trunk shape based on multiple sets of 3D measurements of Japanese women. Finally, the experimental results show that the derived generic model consisting of 1,087 vertices can reconstruct the original shapes with the average error of 1.19 mm, sufficient for practical use.

Scoliosis in cerebral palsy

Spinal deformity is a common musculoskeletal problem for individuals with cerebral palsy. Severe scoliosis may impair physical function and may be a source of pain. Spine braces and carefully constructed seating arrangements may moderate the behavior of these deformities but do not seem capable of stopping progression, which often continues in adulthood. Spine fusion surgery can produce a stable, durable trunk shape that improves sitting and positioning but the process of surgery is arduous and outcomes can be compromised by numerous serious complications. Despite complications, many families and caregivers express satisfaction with the results of surgery. Careful patient evaluation, studious attention to surgical planning and performance, and a good relationship with patients, family members, and other providers is essential.

Surface reconstruction of torsos with and without scoliosis

Visible surface asymmetries such as uneven shoulders, waist and hips, shoulder height differences and a shoulder blade prominence are often the most troublesome features associated with adolescent scoliosis. Treatment considerations are influenced by the severity and changes over time of these asymmetries. Outcomes are judged on how well the asymmetries are improved towards a normal trunk shape. In this paper, a deformable self organizing feature map (SOFM) is used as a geometric surface reconstruction tool to model the torso surface of subjects with and without scoliosis. The proposed parameterization technique provides a means of quantifying the surface asymmetries and assessing the changes due to either natural history or the effects of treatment. For evaluation 10 control subjects without scoliosis and 10 adolescents with scoliosis were scanned and their torsos were reconstructed. This preliminary study demonstrates that in around 5 min a torso scan with 60,000 data points can be transformed into a 2562 nodes mesh using SOFM. The accuracy of the final mesh is around 1.40 mm on average. The high accuracy and speed of this technique, makes it well suitable to be used in a clinical setting to assess surface features of subjects with scoliosis.

Variation in stickleback head morphology associated with parasite infection

Parasites can affect host phenotypes, influencing their ecology and evolution. Host morphological changes occurring post-infection might result from pathological by-products of infection, or represent adaptations of hosts or parasites. We investigated the morphology of three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, from a population naturally infected with Schistocephalus solidus, which grows to large sizes in their body cavity. We examined local effects of infection on trunk shape, which are imposed directly by the bulk of the growing parasite, and distant effects on head morphology. We show that trunk shape differed between infection classes, and was affected more severely in fish with heavier total parasite mass. We further show unexpected differences in head morphology. The heads of infected fish were reduced in size and differently shaped to those of non-infected fish, with infected fish having deeper heads. Importantly, both head size and shape were also affected more severely in fish with heavier total parasite mass. This latter result suggests that differences in morphology are caused by post-infection changes. Such changes may be incidental, evolutionarily neutral ‘side effects’ of infection. However, because head morphology affects foraging ecology, such changes are likely to have fitness consequences for hosts, and may constitute adaptations, either of hosts or of parasites. We discuss our finding in the context of the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, and suggest testable hypotheses examining the proximate mechanisms underlying these morphological effects and their potential evolutionary basis.

Analysis and classification of three-dimensional trunk shape of women by using the human body shape model

This paper proposes a new method for extracting shape components of the trunk of women from three dimensional measurements and tries a classification of the trunk shapes. Subjects in this study are 560 Japanese women, ranging in age from 19 to 63 years. First, the authors describe three-dimensional (3D) trunk shape using the control points given by fitting the human body shape model to 3D measurements of the subjects and reduce the number of the control points to be suited for statistical analysis based on correlation strength. The principal component analysis is applied to the shape data or the reduced set of the control points. Then, the authors interpret trunk shape components by combining factor loading map and averaged shape figures. Finally, the authors try to classify the trunk shape of Japanese women by means of the cluster analysis of component scores of the above results.

Simulation of brassiere-wearing figures

This article proposes a simulation method that combines a three-dimensional shape model of a human body with the genetic algorithm (GA) for estimating shape change of the breasts by wearing a brassiere. The model can describe trunk shape of any female with 750 control points for fitting the surface to many 3D points on the trunk surface. Because the model structure is common among women, their body shapes can be statistically analysed by using the control points. First, we related naked 230 breasts of 115 Japanese women with those wearing a full-cup brassiere through the multi-regression analysis. In this process, we searched the best regression formulas among a plethora of combinations of terms, or coordinates of the 49 control points on the naked models through the GA. Second, the regression formulas obtained above were applied to another 22 naked breasts to estimate their brassiere-wearing shape. Visual and numerical evaluation of the simulated shape revealed that this method could predict brassiere-wearing breast shape based on naked ones and could be expected to serve in a design process and for sales without the need to try on.

Reliability of trunk shape measurements based on 3-D surface reconstructions

This study aimed to estimate the reliability of 3-D trunk surface measurements for the characterization of external asymmetry associated with scoliosis. Repeated trunk surface acquisitions using the Inspeck system (Inspeck Inc., Montreal, Canada), with two different postures A (anatomical position) and B (''clavicle'' position), were obtained from patients attending a scoliosis clinic. For each acquisition, a 3-D model of the patient's trunk was built and a series of measurements was computed. For each measure and posture, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were obtained using a bivariate analysis of variance, and the smallest detectable difference was calculated. For posture A, reliability was fair to excellent with ICC from 0.91 to 0.99 (0.85 to 0.99 for the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval). For posture B, the ICC was 0.85 to 0.98 (0.74 to 0.99 for the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval). The smallest statistically significant differences for the maximal back surface rotation was 2.5 and 1.5 degrees for the maximal trunk rotation. Apparent global asymmetry and axial trunk rotation indices were relatively robust to changes in arm posture, both in terms of mean values and within-subject variations, and also showed a good reliability. Computing measurements from cross-sectional analysis enabled a reduction in errors compared to the measurements based on markers' position. Although not yet sensitive enough to detect small changes for monitoring of curve natural progression, trunk surface analysis can help to document the external asymmetry associated with different types of spinal curves as well as the cosmetic improvement obtained after surgical interventions. The anatomical posture is slightly more reliable as it allows a better coverage of the trunk surface by the digitizing system.