Measurement of stiffness during simulated spinal physiotherapy
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1Department of Biological Sciences, Cumberland College of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia.
Abstract:
A new device was designed to simulate a physiotherapist's assessment of spinal stiffness. The device applies an oscillating postero-anterior force over a spinous process and the force-displacement relation is measured. From these data the stiffness of the movement can be computed. The accuracy and repeatability of stiffness values were found to be high when an elastic beam was tested. Test-retest reliability in 11 human subjects was investigated and found to be good.