Comparative evaluation of a novel measurement tool to assess lumbar spine posture and range of motion

The diagnosis of low back pain pathology is generally based upon invasive image-based assessment of structural pathology, but is limited in methods to evaluate function. The accurate and robust measurement of dynamic function may assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy success. Epionics SPINE is an advanced strain-gauge measurement technology, based on the two sensor strips SpineDMS system, which allows the non-invasive assessment of lumbar and thoraco-lumbar motion for periods of up to 24 h. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of Epionics SPINE and to collect and compare normative data for the characterisation of spinal motion in healthy subjects. Furthermore, the identification of parameters that influence lumbar range of motion (RoM) was targeted.

Spinal shape was measured using Epionics SPINE in 30 asymptomatic volunteers during upright standing, as well as maximum flexion and extension, to check intra-rater reliability. Furthermore, back shape was assessed throughout repeated maximum flexion and extension movements in 429 asymptomatic volunteers in order to collect normative data of the lordosis angle and RoM in different gender and age classes.

The lordosis angle during standing in the healthy collective measured with Epionics SPINE was 32.4° ± 9.7°. Relative to this standing position, the average maximum flexion angle was 50.8° ± 10.9° and the average extension angle 25.0° ± 11.5°. Comparisons with X-ray and Spinal Mouse data demonstrated good agreement in static positions. Age played a larger role than gender in influencing lumbar posture and RoM.

The Epionics SPINE system allows the practical and reliable dynamic assessment of lumbar spine shape and RoM, and may therefore provide a clinical solution for the evaluation of lower back pain as well as therapy monitoring.