Screening and Early Identification of Spinal Deformities and Posture in 311 Children: Results from 16 Districts in Slovakia

Objective. In our study, we wanted to identify the number of existing deformities of the spine and posture in primary schoolers. Methods. The sample consisted of 311 healthy pupils aged 6-7. We used Klein, Thomas, and Mayer method to evaluate the posture. The spine curvature was evaluated by plumb line. Muscle imbalance was evaluated by standardized manual tests by Professor Janda. The results were evaluated by the basic population abundance and the use of the ANOVA program. We determined the level of statistical significance at p = 0.05. Results. The statistically significant occurrence of poor posture was found. Poor posture occurred in more than 50% of the pupils studied. Spine deformities in the sagittal plane have exceeded 30% (C = 37.94212%; Th = 32.15434%; L = 30.22508%). In the frontal plane deformities were present in 13.18328% of pupils. Spinae and postural disorders were accompanied by the muscle imbalance (muscle stiffness and weakness). Conclusion. Screening is a well-founded technique for the early detection of spinae and posture disorders. Based on the results of screening, professionals can take preventive measures. As in our research prevalence of spine deformities and poor posture in children was high, we recommend regular screening in clinical practice.

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THE INCIDENCE OF SPINAL POSTURAL DISORDERS IN FIRST-GRADE ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS

Facta Universitatis Series Physical Education and Sport ◽

10.22190/fupes200614035d ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 381

Author(s):

Stefan Đorđević ◽

Bojan Jorgić ◽

Saša Milenković ◽

Ratko Stanković ◽

Mima Stanković

Keyword(s):

Elementary School ◽

Elementary School Students ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Spinal Column ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

First Grade ◽

School Students ◽

Chi Square ◽

Male And Female ◽

Postural Disorders

The aim of this study is to determine the state of postural disorders in the sagittal and frontal planes of the spinal column, as well as any gender differences in first-year elementary school students. The participant sample comprised 138 school children, 73 male and 56 female participants, all from the territory of the municipality of Knjaževac, Serbia. The measuring instrument, the Formetric 4D System, Diers, Germany was used for the assessment of postural disorders of the spinal column. The testing results were presented in terms of frequencies and percentages, while the chi-square independence test was used to determine differences in spinal deformity incidence between male and female participants. The results obtained indicate that, in the sagittal plane, deformity was present in a total of 73.9% of the sample (72.6% among the male and 75.4% among the female participants), whereas in the frontal plane this percentage amounted to 84.1% (84.9% among the male, and 83.1% among the female ones). Moreover, the results indicate that no statistically significant differences were found in terms of the incidence of postural disorders between male and female participants in the sagittal plane (sig=0.859) and in the frontal plane of the spinal column (sig=0.949). In view of the results obtained, it can be concluded that a high incidence of spinal postural disorders in both the frontal and sagittal planes was equally present in participants of both genders.

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STUDY OF SOME RISK FACTORS SUCH AS THE CAUSE OF MUSCLE IMBALANCE AND LUMBAR PAIN

Trakia Journal of Sciences ◽

10.15547/tjs.2019.s.01.148 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (Suppl.1) ◽

pp. 901-904

Author(s):

Petya Angelova

Keyword(s):

Back Pain ◽

Static Load ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Physical Exertion ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Lumbar Pain ◽

Muscle Imbalance ◽

The Mean

Back pain is a significant public health problem – 11-12% of the population suffers from back pain. The aim of the study is to establish the etiology of lumbar pain, the presence of muscle imbalance and a feeling of pain. Materials and methods: the research is conducted of 2018/2019 at the rehabilitation center Kinezi, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; health outcome data were collected by Test for muscle stiffness, VAS and Roland-Morris Questionnaire. The mean age of all participants (n = 37) is 44.3 ± 15.3 (17-70) years. Results: the mean (±SD) score of VAS of all studied patients at baseline was 5.78±2.23; the mean (±SD) RMQ score at baseline was 6.95±4.57. The percentage of those who are never and currently not practicing sport is predominant, and the athletes are just under 1/4. The studied as a risk factor causes of muscle imbalance are divided into 4 groups: trauma; physical exertion; static load-sitting or standing for a longer time or as a working posture; spinal deformities. Conclusion: no statistical significance is observed between the cause and the hypertonus of the examined muscles. In women, it is the most pronounced cause of muscle imbalance there at static load (61.9%), and for men at physical exertion (42.8%).

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Modeling Effects of Muscle Fatigue on Unilateral Postural Control

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.12.2.173 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 173-184 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Brian L. Davis ◽

Mark D. Grabiner

Keyword(s):

Muscle Fatigue ◽

Inverted Pendulum ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Postural Sway ◽

Joint Stiffness ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Clinical Tool ◽

Inverted Pendulum Model ◽

Pendulum Model

Measurement of postural sway is a valuable research and clinical tool that can provide information related to various central and peripheral elements of the nervous system. The present study involved modeling single-limb standing as an inverted pendulum tethered to a supporting surface by two sets of springs that simulated the stiffness of muscles spanning the joint and the inherent stiffness of the joint itself. There are four key elements of this model: (a) joint stiffness is greater in the frontal plane compared to the sagittal plane (neither being affected by fatigue), (b) muscle stiffness is exponentially related to its extension from a resting position, (c) muscle stiffness is reduced by fatigue, and (d) an "ankle strategy" is used to maintain upright single-limb posture. It is concluded that an inverted pendulum model can be used to adequately predict sway frequencies and amplitudes in the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) directions for single-limb stance pre- and postfatigue. In particular, it is possible for acute muscle fatigue to increase sway in the ML direction but not necessarily in the AP direction.

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Using Biofeedback to Reduce Step Length Asymmetry Impairs Dynamic Balance in People Poststroke

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/15459683211019346 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 154596832110193

Author(s):

Sungwoo Park ◽

Chang Liu ◽

Natalia Sánchez ◽

Julie K. Tilson ◽

Sara J. Mulroy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Angular Momentum ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Objective Measure ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Step Length ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Whole Body ◽

Functional Gait ◽

Full Body

Background People poststroke often walk with a spatiotemporally asymmetric gait, due in part to sensorimotor impairments in the paretic lower extremity. Although reducing asymmetry is a common objective of rehabilitation, the effects of improving symmetry on balance are yet to be determined. Objective We established the concurrent validity of whole-body angular momentum as a measure of balance, and we determined if reducing step length asymmetry would improve balance by decreasing whole-body angular momentum. Methods We performed clinical balance assessments and measured whole-body angular momentum during walking using a full-body marker set in a sample of 36 people with chronic stroke. We then used a biofeedback-based approach to modify step length asymmetry in a subset of 15 of these individuals who had marked asymmetry and we measured the resulting changes in whole-body angular momentum. Results When participants walked without biofeedback, whole-body angular momentum in the sagittal and frontal plane was negatively correlated with scores on the Berg Balance Scale and Functional Gait Assessment supporting the validity of whole-body angular momentum as an objective measure of dynamic balance. We also observed that when participants walked more symmetrically, their whole-body angular momentum in the sagittal plane increased rather than decreased. Conclusions Voluntary reductions of step length asymmetry in people poststroke resulted in reduced measures of dynamic balance. This is consistent with the idea that after stroke, individuals might have an implicit preference not to deviate from their natural asymmetry while walking because it could compromise their balance. Clinical Trials Number: NCT03916562.

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DOES BRAIN ACTIVATION DURING FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT TASKS DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD MOVERS? AN INTEGRATED NEUROIMAGING ASSESSMENT OF MOTOR CONTROL IN YOUNG ATHLETES

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121s00134 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967121S0013

Author(s):

Manish Anand ◽

Jed A. Diekfuss ◽

Dustin R. Grooms ◽

Alexis B. Slutsky-Ganesh ◽

Scott Bonnette ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Control ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Brain Function ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Acl Injury ◽

Timing Error ◽

Lingual Gyrus ◽

Increased Activity

Background: Aberrant frontal and sagittal plane knee motor control biomechanics contribute to increased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. Emergent data further indicates alterations in brain function may underlie ACL injury high risk biomechanics and primary injury. However, technical limitations have limited our ability to assess direct linkages between maladaptive biomechanics and brain function. Hypothesis/Purpose: (1) Increased frontal plane knee range of motion would associate with altered brain activity in regions important for sensorimotor control and (2) increased sagittal plane knee motor control timing error would associate with altered activity in sensorimotor control brain regions. Methods: Eighteen female high-school basketball and volleyball players (14.7 ± 1.4 years, 169.5 ± 7 cm, 65.8 ± 20.5 kg) underwent brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a bilateral, combined hip, knee, and ankle flexion/extension movements against resistance (i.e., leg press) Figure 1(a). The participants completed this task to a reference beat of 1.2 Hz during four movement blocks of 30 seconds each interleaved in between 5 rest blocks of 30 seconds each. Concurrent frontal and sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) kinematics were measured using an MRI-compatible single camera motion capture system. Results: Increased frontal plane ROM was associated with increased brain activity in one cluster extending over the occipital fusiform gyrus and lingual gyrus ( p = .003, z > 3.1). Increased sagittal plane motor control timing error was associated with increased brain activity in multiple clusters extending over the occipital cortex (lingual gyrus), frontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex ( p < .001, z > 3.1); see Figure 1 (b). Conclusion: The associations of increased knee frontal plane ROM and sagittal plane timing error with increased activity in regions that integrate visuospatial information may be indicative of an increased propensity for knee injury biomechanics that are, in part, driven by reduced spatial awareness and an inability to adequately control knee abduction motion. Increased activation in these regions during movement tasks may underlie an impaired ability to control movements (i.e., less neural efficiency), leading to compromised knee positions during more complex sports scenarios. Increased activity in regions important for cognition/attention associating with motor control timing error further indicates a neurologically inefficient motor control strategy. [Figure: see text]

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Biologically Inspired Design and Development of a Variable Stiffness Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthesis

Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics ◽

10.1115/1.4043603 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alexander Agboola-Dobson ◽

Guowu Wei ◽

Lei Ren

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Degrees Of Freedom ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Variable Stiffness ◽

Plane Motion ◽

Biologically Inspired ◽

Passive Rotation ◽

Ground Conditions ◽

Biologically Inspired Design

Recent advancements in powered lower limb prostheses have appeased several difficulties faced by lower limb amputees by using a series-elastic actuator (SEA) to provide powered sagittal plane flexion. Unfortunately, these devices are currently unable to provide both powered sagittal plane flexion and two degrees of freedom (2-DOF) at the ankle, removing the ankle’s capacity to invert/evert, thus severely limiting terrain adaption capabilities and user comfort. The developed 2-DOF ankle system in this paper allows both powered flexion in the sagittal plane and passive rotation in the frontal plane; an SEA emulates the biomechanics of the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon for flexion while a novel universal-joint system provides the 2-DOF. Several studies were undertaken to thoroughly characterize the capabilities of the device. Under both level- and sloped-ground conditions, ankle torque and kinematic data were obtained by using force-plates and a motion capture system. The device was found to be fully capable of providing powered sagittal plane motion and torque very close to that of a biological ankle while simultaneously being able to adapt to sloped terrain by undergoing frontal plane motion, thus providing 2-DOF at the ankle. These findings demonstrate that the device presented in this paper poses radical improvements to powered prosthetic ankle-foot device (PAFD) design.

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Habitual Physical Activity as a Determinant of the Effect of Moderate Physical Exercise on Postural Control in Older Men

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988312460268 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 58-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rafał Stemplewski ◽

Janusz Maciaszek ◽

Maciej Tomczak ◽

Robert Szeklicki ◽

Dorota Sadowska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Postural Control ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Force Plate ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Habitual Physical Activity ◽

Similar Reaction ◽

Mean Velocity ◽

Ergometer Exercise

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of exercise on postural control (PC) among the elderly with lower or higher level of habitual physical activity (HPA). The study involved 17 elderly men (mean age 72.9 ± 4.79 years). Mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was measured using a force plate both before and after cycle ergometer exercise. A significantly higher increase in mean velocity of COP displacements and its component in the sagittal plane were observed in the group with lower level of HPA in comparison with the group with higher HPA level. Simultaneously, a relatively similar reaction to the exercise in the frontal plane was observed in both groups, possibly connected to the specific type of used exercise, which mainly activated the sagittal muscles.

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Correlation between craniovertebral angle in the sagittal plane and angles and indices measured in the frontal plane at the moment of inducing forward head posture

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-213451 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Samira Molaeifar ◽

Farzaneh Yazdani ◽

Amin Kordi Yoosefinejad ◽

Mohammad Taghi Karimi

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Forward Head Posture ◽

Head Posture ◽

Digital Devices ◽

Moderate Negative Correlation ◽

The Moment ◽

Craniovertebral Angle

BACKGROUND: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common malposition in the head and neck area. With the growing use of digital devices, the prevalence of FHP may be expected to increase dramatically. Thus far, FHP has been evaluated only in the sagittal plane. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure angles and indices from anatomical landmarks in the frontal plane and determine the possible correlations between these variables and craniovertebral angle (CVA) as an index of FHP in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Fifty eight healthy individuals (29 men, 29 women) between 18 and 40 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated with an 8-camera motion analysis system. After markers were placed on predetermined landmarks, the participants were asked to maintain their head and neck in the neutral position for 5 seconds. Then participants induced FHP by flexing and lowering their head. The correlation between CVA and a set of angles and indices was calculated at the moment of FHP induction. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and the angle formed between the sternum and both tragi for the whole sample and separately in both sexes. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, and BMI in women. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, BMI, and hours on digital devices in men. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in CVA in the sagittal plane can be predicted from changes in the angle formed between the midpoint of the sternum and the left and right tragi in the frontal plane.

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Evaluation of skin displacement in the equine neck

Comparative Exercise Physiology ◽

10.3920/cep143003 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 181-186 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

A. Bergh ◽

A. Egenvall ◽

E. Olsson ◽

M. Uhlhorn ◽

M. Rhodin

Keyword(s):

Mixed Models ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Cervical Vertebrae ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Longitudinal Axis ◽

Joint Motion ◽

Skin Marker ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Axis Parallel ◽

Kinematic Studies

Kinematic studies, using reflective skin markers, are commonly used to investigate equine joint motion in equitation science and for rehabilitation purposes. In order to interpret the registrations accurately, the degree of skin displacement has been described for the limbs and back, but not yet for the neck. The aim of the present study was to measure sagittal plane skin displacement in the equine neck. Radiopaque skin markers were applied to the skin over the first six cervical vertebrae of six healthy horses. Latero-lateral radiographs were taken in three standardised neck positions in the sagittal plane: control (horizontal neck), ‘on the bit’ and ‘nose to carpus’. The scales of the images were normalised and calculation of skin displacement was done by use of a coordinate system, dividing the displacement along an x-axis parallel to the vertebra's longitudinal axis and a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis. Mixed models analysis was employed to study the differences in distances in x- and y-directions, and statistical significance was set to PÃ0.05. Between control and ‘nose to carpus’ positions, there were significant differences in skin marker locations, relative to the underlying vertebrae, in the x-direction for C1-6, and in y-direction for C3-6. Between normal and ‘on the bit’ positions, there were significant difference in both x- and y-directions for C6. Differences in marker locations along x- and y-axes, respectively, were 3±9 mm and 44±14 mm. The outcome of this study indicates that skin displacement should be considered when investigating equine neck motion with skin marker methodology.

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Static Range of Motion of the First Metatarsal in the Sagittal and Frontal Planes

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm7110456 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 456 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sandra Tavara-Vidalón ◽

Manuel Monge-Vera ◽

Guillermo Lafuente-Sotillos ◽

Gabriel Domínguez-Maldonado ◽

Pedro Munuera-Martínez

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Least Squares Method ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Neutral Position ◽

Future Design ◽

First Metatarsal ◽

Medial Cuneiform ◽

First Ray ◽

Degree Equation

The first metatarsal and medial cuneiform form an important functional unit in the foot, called “first ray”. The first ray normal range of motion (ROM) is difficult to quantify due to the number of joints that are involved. Several methods have previously been proposed. Controversy exists related to normal movement of the first ray frontal plane accompanying that in the sagittal plane. The objective of this study was to investigate the ROM of the first ray in the sagittal and frontal planes in normal feet. Anterior-posterior radiographs were done of the feet of 40 healthy participants with the first ray in a neutral position, maximally dorsiflexed and maximally plantarflexed. They were digitalized and the distance between the tibial malleolus and the intersesamoid crest in the three positions mentioned was measured. The rotation of the first ray in these three positions was measured. A polynomic function that fits a curve describing the movement observed in the first ray was obtained using the least squares method. ROM of the first ray in the sagittal plane was 6.47 (SD 2.59) mm of dorsiflexion and 6.12 (SD 2.55) mm of plantarflexion. ROM in the frontal plane was 2.69 (SD 4.03) degrees of inversion during the dorsiflexion and 2.97 (SD 2.72) degrees during the plantarflexion. A second-degree equation was obtained, which represents the movement of the first ray. Passive dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the first ray were accompanied by movements in the frontal plane: 0.45 degrees of movement were produced in the frontal plane for each millimeter of displacement in the sagittal plane. These findings might be useful for the future design of instruments for clinically quantifying first ray mobility.

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