Discriminant analysis of human kinematic data: application to human lumbar spinal motion

A study was undertaken to determine the applicability of a multivariate discriminant technique in order to analyse human kinematic data, specifically lumbar motion during forward flexion. This method was used in an attempt to allow comparison of time-series data (three joint angles and three linear displacements) between groups of subjects. Results obtained from ten healthy subjects performing simulated abnormal styles of forward flexion indicate the feasibility and potential utility of this method in a clinical environment. Further investigations will be undertaken on clinical subjects to discriminate more effectively between healthy and pathological movements.