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Changes in intervertebral disk dimensions after a loading task and the relationship with stature change measurements
Sandra E Lewis1, Neil E Fowler
1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Cheshire, United Kingdom. s.lewis@mmu.ac.uk
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|October 6, 2009
Summary
Stature loss measured by stadiometry correlates with lumbar disk height loss after loading. This suggests stadiometry can indirectly assess intervertebral disk changes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Spinal Physiology
Background:
- Intervertebral disk height changes are influenced by spinal loading.
- Accurate measurement of these changes is crucial for understanding spinal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the linear relationship between stature change measured by stadiometry and lumbar disk height loss assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Main Methods:
- A within-subject repeated-measures design evaluated lumbar spine response to a 15-minute walking task with a weighted vest.
- Stature change was measured using stadiometry before and after the loading task.
- Lumbar spine length changes were assessed using MRI.
Main Results:
- Significant height loss was observed across the entire lumbar spine (P<.05).
- A significant positive correlation (r=.61) was found between the decrease in posterior spine length and stature loss.
Conclusions:
- Stadiometry provides a reliable indirect measure of intervertebral disk height changes.
- The findings support the use of stadiometry for assessing spinal loading effects.
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