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A kinematic model to assess spinal motion during walking.
Regina J Konz1, Stefania Fatone, Rebecca L Stine
1Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory & Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. r-konz@northwestern.edu
Spine
|November 17, 2006
Summary
A new 3D spine model analyzes spinal motion during walking. This validated model enhances understanding of spinal and lower limb movement for improved surgical planning and gait restoration.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Spinal Kinematics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- The spine's role in walking and the impact of surgical stabilization on gait are not fully understood.
- Existing gait models often simplify the spine as a rigid structure, neglecting regional motion.
- Limited data exists on regional spinal movements during walking in conjunction with lower limb kinematics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a 3-dimensional multi-segment kinematic spine model for noninvasive analysis of spinal motion during walking.
- To collect and analyze preliminary data from able-bodied individuals using the developed model.
Main Methods:
- A 3D multi-segment kinematic spine model was created using KinTrak software.
- Model validation involved comparing calculated angles to known angles from a mechanical model.
- Spinal motion data were collected from 10 healthy adults walking at various self-selected speeds.
Main Results:
- The validated kinematic model demonstrated high accuracy, with uniaxial angles within 5 degrees and coupled angles within 2 degrees of measured values.
- Calculated regional spine kinematics from able-bodied subjects showed good agreement with existing literature data.
Conclusions:
- A validated multi-segment kinematic spine model is now available for analyzing spinal motion during walking.
- Understanding the spine's contribution to ambulation can improve preoperative planning for spinal surgeries.
- This model may help restore normal alignment and balance, minimizing adverse effects on gait.
