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Measurement of time-dependent height-loss during sitting
M Magnusson1, E Hult, I Lindström
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, USA.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Spinal creep, or deformation under static load, was measured in vivo by tracking body height changes during sitting. Older women showed a trend toward increased spinal creep, suggesting age-related differences in spinal flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The spine deforms over time under static load, a phenomenon known as spinal creep.
- This creep has been measured in vivo as a change in body height.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in spinal creep behavior.
- To refine techniques for measuring continuous height changes due to static loads.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen female subjects across three age groups participated.
- Spinal shrinkage was continuously measured during repeated five-minute sitting sessions.
Main Results:
- All subjects exhibited spinal shrinkage during sitting.
- A trend of increased shrinkage was observed in the oldest age group.
- Statistical differences in initial shrinkage were noted between age groups.
Conclusions:
- Age may influence spinal creep, with older individuals potentially exhibiting greater deformation.
- Findings align with recent in vitro studies, despite some contradictory in vivo results.
- The study contributed to improved methods for measuring static load-induced spinal height changes.
