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Three-dimensional lumbar spine vertebral motion during running using indwelling bone pins
Bruce A MacWilliams1, Adam Rozumalski, Andrew N Swanson
1*Motion Analysis Laboratory, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Salt Lake City, UT †Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT ‡Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, St Paul, MN §Medical and Surgical Spine Consultants of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and ¶Department Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Direct in vivo measurement reveals distinct lumbar spine motion during running, differing significantly from walking and overestimations from skin-mounted techniques. The lumbar spine contributes lateral flexion and opposes thoracic sagittal flexion.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Spine Motion Analysis
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Previous studies on lumbar spine motion during running relied on skin-mounted techniques, prone to overestimation.
- Existing data primarily focused on single vertebrae and lacked direct in vivo measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify 3-dimensional lumbar spine motions during running using direct in vivo measurement.
- To compare these running motions with walking data and data from skin-mounted techniques.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy volunteers underwent direct in vivo measurement of lumbar vertebrae (L1-S1) using Kirschner wires and marker triads.
- Spinal computed tomographic scans registered marker triads to vertebrae.
- 3D motion data were collected during running at self-selected speeds.
Main Results:
- Lumbar spine motion patterns in running were reversed compared to walking, with increased motion at inferior segments.
- Running significantly increased sagittal plane motion in the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis.
- Skin-mounted techniques overestimated motion by up to 4 times compared to in vivo bone pin measurements.
Conclusions:
- The lumbar spine functions as a distinct segment during running, contributing lateral flexion for trunk-pelvis balance.
- The lumbar spine opposes thoracic sagittal flexion, while the thoracic spine dominates transverse plane motion during running.
