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Nonlinear dynamics of the human lumbar intervertebral disc
Giacomo Marini1, Gerd Huber2, Klaus Püschel3
1Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, HPP-O14, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
Journal of Biomechanics
|January 10, 2015
Summary
The dynamic response of human lumbar discs exhibits nonlinear and asymmetric behavior, with frequency-dependent changes. Understanding these complex dynamics is crucial for investigating whole body vibration and low back pain.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Physiology
- Nonlinear Dynamics
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) quasi-static response shows progressive stiffening.
- Complex dynamics and nonlinearities are common in systems with stiffening behavior.
- Understanding IVD dynamics is vital for low back pain research related to whole body vibration.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the dynamic response of human lumbar discs.
- Characterize potential nonlinearities in IVD dynamic response under varying loads.
- Explore the relationship between IVD dynamics and whole body vibration.
Main Methods:
- Applied static preload to human lumbar discs.
- Subjected discs to sinusoidal displacement with linearly increasing and decreasing frequencies.
- Analyzed frequency response, including nonlinear and asymmetric characteristics.
Main Results:
- Observed nonlinear and asymmetric dynamic responses in the lumbar discs.
- Identified frequency-dependent hysteresis, with different responses during frequency up-sweep and down-sweep.
- Noted abrupt changes in oscillation amplitude at specific frequencies, influenced by preload and oscillation amplitude.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar disc dynamic response exhibits path-dependent nonlinearities and hysteresis.
- Preload and oscillation amplitude significantly alter nonlinear dynamics and jump-phenomenon frequency.
- Re-evaluation of physiological system dynamic response characterization is needed to identify nonlinearities and their functional impact.
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