Design and Application of a New Artificial Intelligence Screening Program for Scoliosis

Objective — Intelligent Scoliosis screening Application (ISSAPP) is an intelligent scoliosis screening application based on back photos, which is used to determine the effectiveness and reliability of the new tool and reduce the cost of screening by comparing it with traditional physical examination. Method — To design and upgrade the measurement procedures for back photographs during physical examination, including the measurement of bilateral shoulder apex line and horizon plus angle, and the measurement of the angle between the thoracic apex line and horizon during Adams' spinal flexion experiment so as to determine the validity and reliability of measurement program tools. Results — The first and second versions of the designed AI measurement program were more sensitive than the traditional physical examination, Adams spinal flexion test, and lateral flexion instrument. The majority of patients who were tested positive using the measurement procedure tool met the requirements for diagnosis of scoliosis. Conclusions — This new AI based measurement and screening tool can be used for early detection of shoulder and thoracic malformation caused by scoliosis, which is a simple, convenient and sensitive early screening tool. Based on this development idea, an upgraded version can be further developed for early screening of scoliosis.

Effect of Yoga on Health-Related Outcomes in People at Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review

We summarized the effects of yoga on health-related outcomes and adverse events in men and postmenopausal women ≥50 years-old at increased risk of fracture, to inform the updated Osteoporosis Canada clinical practice guidelines. Six databases were searched for observational studies, randomized controlled trials and case series. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation handbook. Nine studies were included and reported using narrative syntheses due to the limited available evidence. Overall, the available evidence was of very low certainty. There was no effect of yoga on health-related quality of life in randomized trials. Effects on other health-related outcomes were mixed or not available in the literature. Five studies reported no adverse events directly related to the study intervention, and two studies did not report whether adverse events occurred. However, two case series reported vertebral fractures related to yoga participation, possibly due to excessive spinal flexion. Due to the limited and very low certainty evidence, guideline developers will need to draw indirect evidence from yoga studies among middle aged or older adults that are not at fracture risk. (PROSPERO: CRD42019124898) NOVELTY BULLETS: • Evidence in general was of very low certainty. • Yoga had no effect on health-related quality of life in randomized trials. Evidence was mixed or unavailable for other outcomes. • Case studies reported yoga poses involving spinal flexion coincided with incidents of vertebral compression fracture among older adults with increased fracture risk.

Is Dynamic Spino-Pelvic Alignment During Gait Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis?

This study aims to investigate the relationship between dynamic alignment of the spine and pelvis during gait and quality of life (QOL) in lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) patients. We evaluated QOL using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), trunk and hip muscle strength as physical function, static spinal alignment, and dynamic spinal/pelvic alignment during gait. The relationship between the ODI score and physical function or static and dynamic alignment were examined. A total of 30 preoperative patients with LSS were participated in this study. ODI score significantly correlated with trunk extension strength (r = -0.559, p = 0.002), hip extension strength (r = -0.473, p = 0.011), maximum flexion angle of spine during gait (r = -0.551, p = 0.002) and maximum anterior tilt angle of pelvis (r = 0.528, p = 0.004). Multiple regression analysis showed that trunk extension strength (standardized β; - 0.35), maximum spinal flexion angle (standardized β; - 0.51) and hip extension strength (standardized β; - 0.40) significantly affected the ODI score, with adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.62. The results of this study showed that the LSS patients with weak hip or trunk extensor muscles, a greater angle of pelvic tilt or a less spinal flexion during gait had a lower QOL.

Influence of Spine Curvature on the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Lumbar Spinal Cord Stimulation

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation is a non-invasive method for neuromodulation of sensorimotor function. Its main mechanism of action results from the activation of afferent fibers in the posterior roots—the same structures as targeted by epidural stimulation. Here, we investigated the influence of sagittal spine alignment on the capacity of the surface-electrode-based stimulation to activate these neural structures. We evaluated electromyographic responses evoked in the lower limbs of ten healthy individuals during extension, flexion, and neutral alignment of the thoracolumbar spine. To control for position-specific effects, stimulation in these spine alignment conditions was performed in four different body positions. In comparison to neutral and extended spine alignment, flexion of the spine resulted in a strong reduction of the response amplitudes. There was no such effect on tibial-nerve evoked H reflexes. Further, there was a reduction of post-activation depression of the responses to transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation evoked in spinal flexion. Thus, afferent fibers were reliably activated with neutral and extended spine alignment. Spinal flexion, however, reduced the capacity of the stimulation to activate afferent fibers and led to the co-activation of motor fibers in the anterior roots. This change of action was due to biophysical rather than neurophysiological influences. We recommend applying transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in body positions that allow individuals to maintain a neutral or extended spine.

Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: criterion concurrent validity of classic and novel measurements

Background Limitations in spinal mobility are a characteristic feature of Axial Spondyloarthritis. Current clinical measurements of spinal mobility have shown low criterion-concurrent validity. This study sought to evaluate criterion-concurrent validity for a clinically feasible measurement method of measuring spine mobility using tri-axial accelerometers. Methods Fifteen radiographic-Spondyloarthritis patients were recruited for this study. Two postural reference radiographs, followed by three trials in forward, left and right lateral bending were taken. For all trials, three measurements were collected: tape (Original Schober’s, Modified Schober’s, Modified-Modified Schober’s, Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test), followed immediately by synchronized radiograph and accelerometer measurements at end range of forward and bilateral lateral flexion. The criterion-concurrent validity of all measurement methods was compared to the radiographic measures using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. A Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to assess agreement. Results In forward bending, the accelerometer method (r = 0.590, p = 0.010) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measures than all tape measures. In lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion tape measure (r = 0.743, p = 0.001) correlated stronger than the accelerometer method (r = 0.556, p = 0.016). The Domjan test of bilateral bending (r = 0.708, p = 0.002) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measure than the accelerometer method. Conclusions Accelerometer measures demonstrated superior criterion-concurrent validity compared to current tape measures of spinal mobility in forward bending. While a moderate correlation exists between accelerometer and radiographs in lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test were found to have the best criterion-concurrent validity of all tests examined in this study.

Spinal Mobility in Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: Criterion Concurrent Validity of Classic and Novel Measurements

Background: Limitations in spinal mobility are a characteristic feature of Axial Spondyloarthritis. Current clinical measurements of spinal mobility have shown low criterion-concurrent validity. This study sought to evaluate criterion-concurrent validity for a clinically feasible measurement method of measuring spine mobility using tri-axial accelerometers.Methods: 15 radiographic-Spondyloarthritis patients were recruited for this study. Two postural reference radiographs, followed by three trials in forward, left and right lateral bending were taken. For all trials, three measurements were collected: tape (Original Schober’s, Modified Schober’s, Modified-Modified Schober’s, Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test), followed immediately by synchronized radiograph and accelerometer measurements at end range of forward and bilateral lateral flexion. The criterion-concurrent validity of all measurement methods were compared to the radiographic measures using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. A Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to assess agreement.Results: In forward bending, the accelerometer method (r=0.590, p=0.010) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measures than all tape measures. In lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion tape measure (r=0.743, p=0.001) correlated stronger than the accelerometer method (r=0.556, p=0.016). The Domjan test of bilateral bending (r=0.708, p=0.002) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measure than the accelerometer method. Conclusions: Accelerometer measures demonstrated superior criterion-concurrent validity compared to current tape measures of spinal mobility in forward bending. While a moderate correlation exists between accelerometer and radiographs in lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test were found to have the best criterion-concurrent validity of all tests examined in this study.

OP0076 CLINICAL DISEASE ACTIVITY, MRI SPINAL INFLAMMATION AND ENTHESITIS ARE KEY DETERMINANTS OF IMPAIRMENT OF SPINAL MOBILITY IN EARLY AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS – DATA FROM THE DESIR COHORT

Background:It has been shown that spinal mobility impairment in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is independently determined both by irreversible spinal damage and by reversible spinal inflammation. However, these relationships have only been investigated in patients with longstanding disease (ankylosing spondylitis). Moreover, only the composite score Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) has been evaluated rather than individual mobility assessments.Objectives:Our aim was to investigate the determinants of spinal mobility in patients with early axSpA.Methods:We analysed longitudinal data from the DEvenir des Spondyloarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes (DESIR) cohort, collected during the first five years of follow-up. We selected patients with a definite diagnosis of axSpA according to the treating rheumatologist, at the end of follow-up (month 60). Associations were tested using generalised estimating equations (GEE), a multilevel approach that adjusts for within-patient correlation. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) or the individual components of BASMI (lateral spinal flexion, tragus-to-wall distance, cervical rotation, anterior lumbar flexion, maximal intermalleolar distance) were used as dependent variables, and clinical and demographic variables were used as independent variables in univariable models. Spinal MRI inflammation was assessed using the Berlin scoring system and radiographic structural damage was assessed using the modified Stoke ankylosing spondylitis spinal score (mSASSS)]. As physical function and quality of life are considered to be hierarchically superior to spinal mobility, they were not included in the analysis. Multivariable models were built, adjusting for potential confounding. Variables with a p-value <0.10 were re-tested in the multivariable models. Six models were built, one regarding the BASMI total score and five regarding the individual components of BASMI.Results:Data from 644 patients and 5152 visits were analysed. In the multivariable analyses (table), we found an independent association between higher BASMI values and age [adjusted B (aB)=1.02, confidence interval (CI)=1.01-1.03], Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP) (aB=1.23, CI=1.15-1.32), enthesitis score (aB=1.02, CI=1.01-1.04) and MRI inflammation score (aB=1.13, CI=1.05-1.23). All individual BASMI components were independently associated with ASDAS-CRP. Apart from maximal intermalleolar distance, all other mobility measures were associated with MRI spinal inflammation. Lateral spinal flexion, cervical rotation and maximal intermalleolar distance were associated with the enthesitis score. mSASSS was associated with lateral spinal flexion and a contributory factor to tragus-to-wall distance and cervical rotation.Conclusion:In early axSpA, spinal mobility impairment is independently determined by clinical disease activity, MRI spinal inflammation and the severity of enthesitis. Maximal intermalleolar distance (which is not a true measure of spinal mobility) was the only measure not associated with MRI spinal inflammation. The influence of spinal inflammation prevails in the early phase of axSpA while spinal damage becomes more relevant in later disease stages.References:None.Disclosure of Interests:Pedro Carvalho: None declared, Ana Marreiros: None declared, Joao Eurico Fonseca: None declared, Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Genzyme, Pedro M Machado Consultant of: PMM: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Speakers bureau: PMM: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB

MRI inflammation of facet and costovertebral joints is associated with restricted spinal mobility and worsened functional status

Objective To investigate the association of spinal inflammation on MRI in patients with various clinical, functional and radiological outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods Three hundred and ninety-seven participants with axial SpA and back pain were recruited from 10 rheumatology centres. Clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters were collected and participants underwent MRI of the spine. MRI features including inflammatory lesions of facet joints and costovertebral joints, corner inflammatory lesions, and spondylitis were assessed. BASFI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Global Index, BASMI and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score were measured. Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the associations between MRI parameters and various clinical, functional and radiological outcomes. Results BASMI and BASFI correlated well with inflammatory features in spinal MRI. Multivariate analysis showed that lumbar facet joint inflammation was independently associated with BASMI (regression coefficient (β) = 0.12, P &lt; 0.001), lumbar spinal flexion (β = 0.13, P = 0.00), lateral spinal flexion (β = 0.09, P = 0.04), tragus-to-wall distance (β = 0.16, P &lt; 0.001) and BASFI (β = 0.14, P = 0.01). Costovertebral joint inflammation was also associated with BASMI (β = 0.08, P = 0.05). Conclusion Inflammatory lesions of facet and costovertebral joints in MRI are associated with restriction in spinal mobility and functional impairment. These important yet commonly overlooked lesions should be reviewed in clinical practice in patients with SpA.

Comparative Analysis Between the Basdai and Mini-Basdai Indices in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objectives. The aim of this paper is to compare the degree of accuracy between the BASDAI and mini-BASDAI indices in assessing the activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), especially in patients without peripheral manifestations.Materials and method. Our cross-sectional study consisted of a group of 124 patients with AS, according to the modified New York criteria. All patients offered their informed consent. All the individual characteristics of the patients were documented, both demographic and disease-related. The activity of the disease was measured using the BASDAI questionnaire, from which we calculated the mini-BASDAI by eliminating the questions about peripheral arthritis and entesitis. The functional impairment of mobility in the spine and sacro-iliac joints was measured by the Schober index, lateral spinal flexion, occiput-wall, menton-sternum and finger-ground index.Results. The mean age of the patients was 43.43 +/− 13.27 years, mean height 174.3 +/− 8.46 cm, weight 78.23 +/− 14.19 kg, duration of disease in years 15.06 +/− 9.19 and number of years from initiation of biological therapy 6.42 +/− 3.08. The BASDAI score was 1.26 +/− 1.93, while the mini-BASDAI score was 1.51 +/− 2.08. In the group of patients without peripheral manifestations, both BASDAI and mini-BASDAI correlated significantly with the occiput-wall index, besides ESR, CRP, ASDAS-CRP and the Schober index.Conclusion. Mini-BASDAI is not superior to BASDAI in evaluating patients with ankylosing spondylitis without peripheral manifestations, but it has shown a better correlation in addition to BASDAI with the indices of flexion of the cervico-dorsal spine.

The effect of one-time task fascial therapy on range of motion during spinal flexion

The latest findings of scientists and literature, pay attention to the important role of fascia in the human body. The fascia is supplied with blood, innervated a n d b e c a u s e o f c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s construction, also very plastic. During d i a g n o s i s o f d y s f u n c t i o n o f m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l s y s t e m , it is important to look at the patient in a holistic way. In practice the fascial dysfunction is far away from the place of issue and is crucial to the impaired function. This thesis is a response for patients and therapists, who have problem with the scope of the traffic and local acting method of relaxing tight muscles does not bring the desired effects. The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of a single therapy fascial method (TASK) to increase the range of motion of flexion during forward bend. The aim of researchers was to carry out the theraphy of the part of superficial back line - sacrolumbar fascia of erector spinae. Before and after therapy has been measured to lumbar flexion range of motion, bend the total spine and Thomayers test. A group of test subjects were 30 students of physiotherapy (18 women and 12 men) from the Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk. Improving the range of motion was reported in the whole group of patients.The latest findings of scientists and literature, pay attention to the important role of fascia in the human body. The fascia is supplied with blood, innervated a n d b e c a u s e o f c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s construction, also very plastic. During d i a g n o s i s o f d y s f u n c t i o n o f m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l s y s t e m , it is important to look at the patient in a holistic way. In practice the fascial dysfunction is far away from the place of issue and is crucial to the impaired function. This thesis is a response for patients and therapists, who have problem with the scope of the traffic and local acting method of relaxing tight muscles does not bring the desired effects. The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of a single therapy fascial method (TASK) to increase the range of motion of flexion during forward bend. The aim of researchers was to carry out the theraphy of the part of superficial back line - sacrolumbar fascia of erector spinae. Before and after therapy has been measured to lumbar flexion range of motion, bend the total spine and Thomayers test. A group of test subjects were 30 students of physiotherapy (18 women and 12 men) from the Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk. Improving the range of motion was reported in the whole group of patients.