Spinal Posture Research Articles

Maternal Parity Effect on Spine Posture Changes and Back Pain During Pregnancy

Background: Pregnancy can significantly alter posture and stability, thereby affecting spine curvatures. A positive relationship between the number of full-term pregnancies and the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported previously. This study aimed to analyze the impact of pregnancy on spine posture and LBP. Methods: Thirty pregnant females who were nulliparous (Group 1, n = 15) or had one or two pregnancies (Group 2, n = 15) were examined using the photogrammetric method in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Further, a correlation analysis was conducted among the body mass index (BMI), pain intensity (VAS scale), and spine posture parameters. Results: The parous groups did not differ significantly in the parameters of the spinal posture. The thoracic angle decreased in trimester II compared to trimester I (157.77° vs. 160.55°, p = 0.004), which, according to the measurement methodology used, means that the thoracic kyphosis curvature increased. BMI was associated with the angle of trunk inclination in trimester I in Group 1 (r = 0.54, p = 0.04), as well as with the thoracic angle in trimesters II and III in Group 2 (r = 0.54–0.62, p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation between pain intensity and spine posture parameters was more frequently observed in Group 2. Conclusions: Parity does not affect spine posture during pregnancy or pain intensity. The intensity of LBP was associated with spine posture changes during pregnancy, but the character of association differs between groups of parity. Alterations in spine posture should be monitored during pregnancy to prevent back pain.

The General Public as well as Physiotherapists Evaluate Spinal Flexion as Dangerous Regardless of Their Own Low Back Pain History

BackgroundMaladaptive fear of movement in individuals with low back pain may be associated with worse clinical outcomes. ObjectiveTo explore beliefs about the perceived dangers regarding different spinal postures within the Czech Republic. DesignExploratory cross-sectional study including physiotherapists and members of the general public. MethodsSelf-reported perceived safety/danger of “straight” and “flexed” spinal postures regarding 1) sitting, 2) lifting of light and 3) heavy object from the floor based on three pairs of photographs was measured using numeric rating scales (0-10, safe to dangerous) without any given context and in the context of low back pain. The sum of differences between the ratings of flexed and straight postures were used to calculate Bending Safety Beliefs Thermometer (BSBThermometer) total score potentially ranging -60‒60 (higher values indicates evaluation of flexed spinal postures as more dangerous in comparison to straight postures). Results760 participants were included in the analysis. The mean BSBThermometer total score was 31.1 (SD 16.1) and higher scores were positively associated with being women (b=14.8, 95% CI [9.9-19.8]); non-medical profession (b=24.7, 95% CI [15.2-34.2]); age (b=0.38, 95% CI [0.16-0.6]; and their interactions. There was no significant association with current low back pain status or history of low back pain. ConclusionsOn average, participants evaluated “flexed” spinal postures as significantly more dangerous when compared with “straight” spinal postures, with only subgroups of physiotherapists scoring lower than the general public. Clinically, these beliefs could be targeted by individualized education, exposure-based interventions and public campaigns; however, further research is required.

ANALYSIS OF THE SPINAL CURVATURE IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ATHLETES OF DIFFERENT COMPETITIVE LEVELS AND WITH DIFFERENT POSTURES

Rhythmic gymnastics is characterized by high mobility demands on the spine, which can lead to structural changes and associated injuries or pain. The aim of this study is to assess and compare spinal posture in different positions, mobility, and pain perception among RG athletes. The sample consisted of 34 gymnasts (age: 14.18 ± 2.17) of grassroots and federation levels. Spinal posture and mobility were analyzed using the Spinal Mouse® system, along with pain perception (location and intensity) and body composition. Most gymnasts exhibited normal spinal curvature in both standing and sitting positions. Significant differences (p<0.05) were only found in the sacral curve during extension. Regarding lumbar mobility, differences in sacral mobility from standing to extension were noted, with the federation-level gymnasts showing a greater tendency for hyperlordosis in extension. In terms of pain, the lumbar region was the most affected, with 32.4% of cases reporting pain. It was observed that gymnasts experiencing pain displayed more pronounced lumbar hyperlordosis in the standing position. A low but significant correlation was found between lumbar pain and its intensity (p=0.045), and a moderate correlation was observed between hip pain and pelvic tilt. The gymnasts demonstrated a greater tendency for lumbar hyperlordosis in the standing position and during the transition from standing to extension, which was more pronounced among federation-level gymnasts. Furthermore, there appears to be a stronger correlation between hyperlordosis and the occurrence of lumbar pain, as well as the intensity of pain.

Upper extremity functions, spinal posture, and axial rigidity in patients with parkinson's disease.

Upper extremity dysfunction is frequently seen in Parkinson's disease (PD). Existing research has shown that bradykinesia, which is main symptom of PD, is primarily responsible but the combined effects of spinal posture and axial rigidity on upper extremity functions were not investigated yet. The aim of this study was to investigate upper extremity functions in patients with PD and to evaluate relationship of these with spinal posture and axial rigidity. This prospective controlled study included 40 patients with PD and 40 healthy controls. Upper extremity function was measured with the 9-Hole Peg Test. Spinal posture and axial rigidity were measured with a Spinal Mouse. Compared with the control group, a decrease in upper extremity functions (p < 0.001), decreased lumbar lordosis (p = 0.003), and posterior sacral tilt (p = 0.021) were determined in patients' group. Thoracic and lumbar mobility in the sagittal (all p < 0.001) and frontal planes (p = 0.004, p < 0.001) was found to be reduced in the patient group. A correlation was determined between upper extremity functions and lumbar mobility in the sagittal (p = 0.022, r= -0.362) and frontal planes (p = 0.045, r= -0.319) and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.048, r = 0.302). The results of this study demonstrated that altered spinal posture and increased axial rigidity were related with decreased upper extremity functions in patients with PD. There is a need for further studies to investigate effect of trunk-based therapies on upper extremity function in patients with PD.

A generic detailed multibody model for simulating thoracic spine and ribcage kinematics

AbstractA reliable and comprehensive multibody musculoskeletal model of the thoracic spine and ribcage can offer valuable insight into the biomechanics of healthy and curved spines. In this study, we developed a generic rigid-body thoracic spine and ribcage model, which is kinematically determinate and controlled by spinal posture. A newly devised averaging constraint was implemented to model the kinematics of individual ribs and the sternum. Rib motion validation confirmed that the movement of adjacent ribs matched measured data across different tasks. We simulated 39 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects aged 7–17 years, with an average (SD) Cobb angle of 15.9 (8.2) degrees. The average errors of multiple scoliosis metrics were less than 4 degrees for angle parameters, 5 mm for displacement parameters, and 3 percent for the ratio parameter. The model is straightforward and can simulate various daily activities (e.g., spinal articulation and breathing) while accurately capturing pathological deformities conforming to experimental data. It is available to the public on the open science platform Zenodo and will also be accessible through the AnyBody Managed Model Repository.

Clinical Effect of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty and Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Managing Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Single-Center Propensity Score-Matched Study.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). This retrospective study included 268 elderly OVCF individuals, and 144 individuals were selected after propensity score matching. General patient information, perioperative conditions, vertebral height and Cobb angle, lumbar spinal function, degree of pain, incidence of complications, and fracture recurrence rates were compared and analyzed for the patients. The PKP group exhibited longer surgical duration, greater intraoperative blood loss, and more frequent X-ray fluoroscopy during the perioperative period compared to the PVP group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups. Furthermore, PKP surgery significantly improved vertebral height, corrected spinal posture, and enhanced lumbar spinal function while mitigating pain levels within the 12-month postoperative period (p < 0.05). Additionally, the PKP group showed substantially lower rates of bone cement leakage, nerve injury, and fracture recurrence than the PVP group (p < 0.05). Compared to PVP, PKP demonstrates better clinical effectiveness with lower incidence of complications in managing OVCF. However, surgical time and intraoperative trauma should be considered.

Ergonomics in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Clinical Evaluation.

Surgeons experience a risk for physical strain and injury secondary to physical demands in the workplace. To minimize injury and maximize career longevity, physicians should be aware of ergonomics pitfalls and postural correction methods. This study investigates ergonomic trends in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS) clinic by quantifying surgeons' and trainees' cervicothoracic spine posture. Participants completed a 22-item questionnaire to evaluate current ergonomic practices. A lightweight device was calibrated and attached to the mid-scapular region of participants, providing real-time posture feedback. The percentage of time in upright posture was recorded during clinical and operative workdays. Upright posture was defined as neutral spine positioning with acceptable mild to moderate deviations. Two FPRS attending surgeons, 1 FPRS fellow, and 11 otolaryngology residents participated over 12 months. Discomfort was most commonly reported in the neck, shoulders, and upper back during clinic. Symptoms were self-treated by changing body position, wearing specialized footwear, adjusting height of the chair or examination table, or ignoring discomfort. Eighty-two percent were unaware of ergonomic guidelines or appropriate considerations. Time spent in upright posture was significantly higher in clinic (84.9%) than in the OR (53.5%) (p < 0.001). Upright posture declined after reaching 6 work hours (p = 0.029); no such patterns were observed in the OR (p = 0.946). Although time spent in upright posture was objectively poorer in the OR, these data suggest ergonomics are an important consideration in the outpatient setting, with surgeons experiencing discomfort during and after clinic. Further investigation is warranted to identify actionable changes and promote healthy ergonomics. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Comparative analysis of Kinesio taping and dry-needling: effects on pain and disability in patients with mechanical low back pain

Background &amp; Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is an ever-increasing menace in the young men as well as women. Many factors causing it have been identified, the most common being improper spinal posture. LBP has been targeted by physicians, anesthetists, surgeons and rehabilitation medicine specialists. We compared the effects of Kinesio Taping and dry needling on pain reduction and disability improvement in patients diagnosed with mechanical chronic LBP. Method: A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted at Rawal General and Dental Hospital and Al-Nafees hospital in Islamabad from January 2020 to October 2021. Probability-based sampling method was used to select participants for the study (simple random sampling). Thirty patients, aged 18 to 75 y were included. Sample size was calculated with Epitools. The selected patients were divided in two groups i.e., 15 patients in the Kinesio taping group (KT group) and 15 in the dry needling group (DN group). Two patients in the needling group were dropped. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Roland-Morris Disability Index Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used to assess the pain and the disability at baseline, two weeks post-intervention and four weeks post-treatment. Chi-Square test was use to find association. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.60 ± 13.69 y for KT group and 37.15 ± 12.54 y for DN group. The mean BMI for KT group was 27.15 ± 6.70 kg/m2 and for DN group 27.52 ± 5.13 kg/m2. Before treatment, there were no differences between the groups for NPRS and RMDQ. Both dry needling and Kinesio taping produced significant improvements in NPRS and RMDQ after two and four weeks of treatment (P &lt; 0.05). However, statistical analysis results showed that there was no association between pain and disability in patient with non-specific low back pain. (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Both, Kinesio taping and dry needling, significantly reduced pain and disability after two- and four-weeks treatment in patients with low back pain, but there was no statistical differences between the pain and disability in both groups. Keywords: Disability; Dry Needling; Kinesio Tape; Low Back Pain; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; Physiotherapy Citation: Asad A, Irshad A, Hassan T, Kiran Q, Kouser S, Hassan F. Comparative analysis of Kinesio taping and dry-needling: effects on pain and disability in patients with mechanical low back pain. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):933−938; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2561 Received: April 26, 2024; Reviewed: July 16, 2024; Accepted: July 18, 2024

The association between aerobic capacity and spinal curvature and mobility in young soccer players

BackgroundThere is a lot of research in terms of injuries and performance in football and nowadays aerobic capacity, spinal posture and mobility have been taken into consideration separately in terms of performance. Considering from a biomechanical perspective, we thought spinal curvature and mobility may affect aerobic performance and investigated the relationship between them. Research questionDo young soccer players' segmental spinal curvature and mobility affect their aerobic capacity and maximal exercise performance? MethodsThirty-four young league players (mean age 16.56 ±1.11 years) were evaluated pre-season. Spinal assessments in the sagittal plane with a non-invasive, computer-assisted electromechanical device and aerobic capacity assessment with a cardiopulmonary exercise-testing device were applied. The relationship between spinal postural variables with aerobic capacity was done by Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of spinal curvature and mobility on aerobic performance. ResultsVarious parameters of aerobic performance were related to spinal curvature and mobility. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were negatively correlated with thoracic angle (r=-0.343, p=0.047 and r=-0.344, p=0.046; respectively). Thoracic angle was also associated with tidal volume (VT) and VO2/HR (r=-0.347, p=0.044 and r=-0.348, p=0.044; respectively). Higher thoracic mobility caused to reach the anaerobic threshold (VAT) earlier (r=-0.368, p=0.032), at a lower speed (r=-0.367, p=0.033). In other segments, lumbar mobility was negatively correlated with VT at VAT (r=-0.346; p=0.045), while spinal inclination with HR at VAT (r=-0.387, p=0.024). SignificanceAlthough it is within physiological ranges, increased spinal curvature and mobility are associated with a decrease in aerobic capacity in young soccer players. Spinal curvature and mobility especially in the thoracic region may affect the aerobic performance of a soccer player. The trainers should consider spinal alignment for not only the technical and tactical but also the general performance of the soccer player.

Wearable technology mediated biofeedback to modulate spine motor control: a scoping review

BackgroundLower back pain (LBP) is a disability that affects a large proportion of the population and treatment for this condition has been shifting towards a more individualized, patient-centered approach. There has been a recent uptake in the utilization and implementation of wearable sensors that can administer biofeedback in various industrial, clinical, and performance-based settings. Despite this, there is a strong need to investigate how wearable sensors can be used in a sensorimotor (re)training approach, including how sensory biofeedback from wearable sensors can be used to improve measures of spinal motor control and proprioception.Research questionThe purpose of this scoping review was to examine the wide range of wearable sensor-mediated biofeedback frameworks currently being utilized to enhance spine posture and motor function.MethodsA comprehensive scoping review was conducted in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) across the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and IEEEXplore. Articles related to wearable biofeedback and spine movement were reviewed dated from 1980 - 2020. Extracted data was collected as per a predetermined checklist including the type, timing, trigger, location, and magnitude of sensory feedback being applied to the body.ResultsA total of 23 articles were reviewed and analysed. The most used wearable sensor to inform biofeedback were inertial measurement units (IMUs). Haptic (vibrotactile) feedback was the most common sensory stimulus. Most studies used an instantaneous online trigger to initiate sensory feedback derived from information pertaining to gross lumbar angles or the absolute orientations of the thorax or pelvis.ConclusionsThis is the first study to review wearable sensor-derived sensory biofeedback to modulate spine motor control. Although the type of wearable sensor and feedback were common, this study highlights the lack of consensus regarding the timing and structure of sensory feedback, suggesting the need to optimize any sensory feedback to a specific use case. The findings from this study help to improve the understanding surrounding the ecological utility of wearable sensor-mediated biofeedback in industrial, clinical, and performance settings to enhance the sensorimotor control of the lumbar spine.

The spinopelvic alignment in patients with prior knee or hip arthroplasty undergoing elective lumbar surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTConcurrent degeneration of the lumbar spine, hip, and knee can cause significant disability and lower quality of life. Osteoarthritis in the lower extremities can lead to movement limitations, possibly requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). These procedures often impact spinal posture, causing alterations in spinopelvic alignment and lumbar spine degeneration. It is unclear if patients with a history of prior total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have different spinopelvic alignment compared to patients without. PURPOSETo assess the relationship between a history of previous THA or TKA, as well as combined THA and TKA, and the spinopelvic alignment in patients undergoing elective lumbar surgery for degenerative conditions. STUDY DESIGNA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent lumbar surgery for degenerative conditions. The patients were stratified based on a history of TKA, THA, or both TKA and THA. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 632 patients (63% female) with an average age of 64±11 years and an average BMI of 30±6 kg/m2 were included. OUTCOME MEASURESPatients were stratified based on a history of THA, TKA, or combined THA and TKA. Spinopelvic parameters (lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI)) were assessed. The relationship between spinopelvic alignment and prior TKA, THA or TKA and THA was analyzed METHODSThe data was tested for normal distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test. We analyzed the relationship between the spinopelvic parameters and the different arthroplasty groups. Differences in scores between groups were examined using ANOVA. Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test was used for pairwise comparison for significant ANOVA test results. Multivariable linear regression was applied, adjusted for age, sex and BMI. RESULTSA total of 632 patients (63% female) were included in the study. Of these patients, 74 (12%) had a history of isolated TKA, 40 (6%) had prior isolated THA, and 15 (2%) had TKA and THA prior to lumbar surgery. Patients with prior arthroplasty were predominantly female (59%) and significantly older (68±7 years vs. 63±12 years, p<.001) with a significantly higher BMI (31±6 kg/m2 vs. 29±6 kg/m2, p<.001). The LL was significantly lower (45.0°±13 vs. 50.9°±14 p=.011) in the arthroplasty group compared to the nonarthroplasty group. A history of isolated TKA was significantly associated with lower LL (Est=−3.8, 95% CI −7.3 to −0.3, p=.031) and SS (Est=−2.6, 95% CI −5.0 to −0.2, p=.012) compared to patients without TJA. Prior combined THA and TKA was found to be significantly associated with a higher PT compared to the nonarthroplasty group (Est=5.1, 95% CI 0.4–9.8, p=.034). CONCLUSIONThe spinopelvic alignment differs between patients with and without prior TJA who undergo elective lumbar surgery. The study shows that a history of TKA is significantly associated with a lower LL and SS. The combination of THA and TKA was associated with a significantly higher PT. These findings highlight the complex relationship between the hip, spine, and knee. Moreover, the results could aid in enhancing preoperative planning of lumbar surgery in patients with known TJA.

Is There a Pathologic Running Motion Associated with Running-Related Injuries? A Methodological Study Using a Motion Analysis System Without Sensors.

(1) Background and objectives: Running-related injuries (RRIs) are commonly attributed to improper running posture and overuse. This study aims to analyze the running motions of individuals with and without RRIs using a sensor-free method, which offers a user-friendly and straightforward approach. (2) Materials and Methods: A total of 155 runners were divided into two groups: the normal runner group (runners who had never been injured, n = 50) and the RRI group (runners who had experience at least one injury while running, n = 105). The forward head posture (FHP), trunk lean, hip rotation, horizontal movement of the center of gravity (COG), vertical movement of the COG, pelvic rotation, hip hike, and type of strike were measured for posture analysis. (3) Results: We found that the left-right balance of the pelvis and the spinal posture during running were associated with RRIs. The difference in hip hike and FHP emerged as key predictors of running-related musculoskeletal injury occurrence from our logistic regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: Identifying pathological movements in runners through running motion analysis without the use of sensors can be instrumental in the prevention and treatment of RRIs.

Spinal posture, mobility, and position sense in adolescents with chest wall deformities: a comparison of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum and healthy peers

PurposeThe study aimed to compare spinal posture, mobility, and position sense in adolescents with pectus excavatum (PE), pectus carinatum (PC), and healthy control (HC).Methods22 with PE, 22 with PC, and 21 HC were included in the study. The spinal posture (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic lateral tilt angles) and mobility (thoracic, lumbar, hip/sacral, and overall, in the sagittal and frontal plane) with the spinal mouse, and spinal position sense (repositing errors) with the inclinometer were assessed.ResultsThe thoracic kyphosis angle of PE and PC was higher than in HC (p < 0.001; p = 0.001). Hip/sacral mobility in the sagittal plane was lower in the PE and PC than control, respectively (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Overall sagittal spinal mobility (p:0.007) and hip/sacral mobility in the frontal plane (p:0.002) were lower in the PC than in HC. Overall frontal spinal mobility was lower in the PE and PC than in HC (p:0.002; p:0.014). The PE and PC repositing errors were higher (p < 0.001; p:0.014).ConclusionThe study found that adolescents with PE and PC had decreased spinal mobility, spinal alignment disorders, and a decline in spinal position sense. It is important not to overlook the spine during physical examinations of adolescents with chest wall deformities. In clinical practice, we suggest that adolescents with chest deformities should undergo a spine evaluation and be referred for physical therapy to manage spinal disorders.

Mildly Kyphotic Students Had More Shoulder Trigger Points Than Students With Normal Spinal Posture

Mildly Kyphotic Students Had More Shoulder Trigger Points Than Students With Normal Spinal Posture

A comparison of quantitative parameters of axial posture and spinal mobility between motor subtypes of Parkinson's disease.

<p>Parkinson&rsquo;s disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder characterized by contradictory clinical outcomes among its several subtypes. The disease can manifest with a tremor-dominant (TD) or a non-tremor-dominant (NTD) phenotype. Although the TD subtype may show a better prognosis, there is limited information on the phenotypic differences regarding the level of axial symptoms. For this reason, in this study it was aimed to make a quantitative comparison of axial posture and spinal mobility between PD with TD and NTD.&nbsp;</p>. <p>This case-control study was conducted on 94 patients with diagnosed PD. A group diagnosis approach was used in the study, such that the diagnosis of each patient was confirmed, and they were assig-ned to TD and NTD groups by a neurologist expert on movement disorders. Of the patients with PD, 61 were in the TD group, and 33 were in the NTD group. Spinal mouse was used to measure spinal posture and spinal mobility in both sagittal and frontal planes.&nbsp;</p>. <p>Two groups of 61 patients (25 male + 36 female) with TD-PD (mean age: 64.49&plusmn;10.37 years) and 33 patients (20 male +13 female) with NTD-PD (mean age: 63.45&plusmn;9.11 years) were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences bet&shy;ween the patients with TD and NTD in terms of sagittal and frontal postures (p&gt;0.05). In addition to this, anterior trunk tilt was found to significantly increase as the disease stage advanced in both groups. While the greatest anterior trunk tilt change in the TD-PD group was observed in the 3rd stage, NTD-PD group was in the 2.5th stage. Aside from this, the out&shy;comes of the spinal mobility measurements in the frontal and sagittal planes were similar between the groups (p&gt;0.05).</p>. <p>It is widely acknowledged that many clinical aspects of the TD and NTD forms of PD differ; however, in our study, it was observed that there may be no difference in the axial symptoms of the patients with PD in terms of classification according to tremor dominance.</p>.

The TACOs (time-based assessment computerized strategy) approach to evaluating occupational working postures.

Many investigations of biomechanical overload concentrate on upper limbs and manual handling: certain jobs require an evaluation on spinal and lower limb postures. While existing methodologies adequately describe postures, they often poorly consider the organisation. This shortcoming prompted the development of TACOs for spinal and lower limb postures, using organisational factors to adjust the risk indexes. The TACOs is set out in steps: task identification, posture assessment, duration, and a final evaluation also for complex cycles. Given the complexity, tools have been devised, free downloadable, to facilitate evaluation. Studies on the TACOs reliability indicate excellent intra-observer and moderate interobserver agreement. TACOs, defining the task as a measurement unit, offers the advantage of assessing postures more easily and, considering duration, provides precise evaluation of the final risk. While the method does not demonstrate predictive validity regarding related diseases, it nonetheless enables the classification of exposure levels, even in complex multitask scenarios.

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.

Spinal Postures and Mobility in Children with Achondroplasia vs. Age- and Sex-Matched Healthy Individuals: A Preliminary Report.

Background: Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disease, yet the most common form of dwarfism, characterized by limb shortening and disproportionate short stature along with musculoskeletal changes, such as postural deviations. Although postural changes in the spine in children with achondroplasia have been well investigated, little is known about the association of achondroplasia with spinal movements/mobility. Methods: This preliminary study aims to explore the association of achondroplasia with spinal mobility in children with achondroplasia compared to age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Spinal posture and mobility were assessed using a radiation-free back scan, the Idiag M360 (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). Between-group differences were determined using a two-way analysis of variance. Results: Children with achondroplasia had smaller thoracic lateral flexion [difference between groups (Δ) = 20.4°, 95% CI 0.1°-40.6°, p = 0.04], lumbar flexion (Δ = 17.4°, 95% CI 5.5°-29.4°, p = 0.006), lumbar extension (Δ = 14.2°, 95% CI 5.7°-22.8°, p = 0.002) and lumbar lateral flexion (Δ = 19.6°, 95% CI 10.7°-28.4°, p < 0.001) than age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, except for thoracic extension (Δ = 16.5°, 95% CI 4.4°-28.7°, p = 0.009) which was greater in children with achondroplasia. No differences were observed in global spinal postures between the two groups. Conclusions: Spinal mobility appears to be more influenced by achondroplasia than global spinal postures in childhood. These results also highlight the importance of considering the musculoskeletal assessment of segmental spinal postures and rehabilitative interventions aimed at promoting spinal flexibility in children with achondroplasia.

Design and Optimization of a Wearable Underactuated Mechanism for Spinal Posture Measurement

Abstract This paper proposes a novel wearable device to monitor and record the posture and alignment of spine. The proposed device adopts an underactuated mechanism design which allows it to adapt to the multiple-degrees-of-freedom spinal posture with minimum weight and complexity. To ensure the validity of measurement and comfort of wearing, the mechanism parameters are determined first by considering a special posture and then are fine-tuned using an optimization algorithm so that uniform contact forces for several selected spinal postures can be achieved. Experiments demonstrate that the device can automatically maintain contact with the wearer’s back and offer real-time spinal posture and alignment data for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Comparison of Postural Balance, Muscle Force and Spinal Posture in Obese Children and Adolescents- A Protocol Study

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: Obesity is a major public health concern. Since the prevalence of obesity is increasing, exploring the impacts of obesity on the developing musculoskeletal system is important. The aim of this study was to compare postural balance, muscle force, and spinal posture between children and adolescents with and without obesity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a case-control study on 90 children and adolescents with and without obesity (N=45 in each group). Outcome measures will be postural balance, muscle force, and spinal posture. These outcome measures will be compared between groups.&#x0D; Results: Evaluation of HbA1c level based on the presence or absence of anemia showed that in diabetic group with anemia significantly had a lower level 8.4 (± 1.5) than people without anemia 8.6 (± 1.5) (P= 0.045). Conclusion: The findings can determine the importance of assessing musculoskeletal health in children and adolescents with obesity.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;