AUTHOR=McMullin Paul , Emmett Darian , Gibbons Andrew , Clingo Kelly , Higbee Preston , Sykes Andrew , Fullwood David T. , Mitchell Ulrike H. , Bowden Anton E. 

TITLE=Dynamic segmental kinematics of the lumbar spine during diagnostic movements

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1209472

DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2023.1209472

ISSN=2296-4185

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold><italic>In vivo</italic> measurements of segmental-level kinematics are a promising avenue for better understanding the relationship between pain and its underlying, multi-factorial basis. To date, the bulk of the reported segmental-level motion has been restricted to single plane motions.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> The present work implemented a novel marker set used with an optical motion capture system to non-invasively measure dynamic, 3D <italic>in vivo</italic> segmental kinematics of the lower spine in a laboratory setting. Lumbar spinal kinematics were measured for 28 subjects during 17 diagnostic movements.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Overall regional range of motion data and lumbar angular velocity measurement were consistent with previously published studies. Key findings from the work included measurement of differences in ascending <italic>versus</italic> descending segmental velocities during functional movements and observations of motion coupling paradigms in the lumbar spinal segments.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> The work contributes to the task of establishing a baseline of segmental lumbar movement patterns in an asymptomatic cohort, which serves as a necessary pre-requisite for identifying pathological and symptomatic deviations from the baseline.</p>