Relationships between each part of the spinal curves and upright posture using Multiple stepwise linear regression...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical analysis
• Human posture research
• Spinal biomechanics

Background:

• Back pain is prevalent in primary care, impacting daily activities and posture.
• The relationship between spinal curves and upright posture control remains unclear.
• Understanding spinal curve dynamics is crucial for posture assessment and rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between individual spinal curves (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and center of pressure (CoP) dynamics.
• To determine predictors of spinal curve angles based on CoP position and velocity.
• To explore the link between spinal alignment and postural stability in healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an optoelectronics system (Vicon Nexus) and force plates for synchronized motion capture.
• Recorded quiet stance posture in 21 healthy male subjects.
• Employed polynomial interpolation to calculate spinal curve angles and analyzed CoP position and velocity.

Main Results:

• Center of pressure position and velocity were significant predictors of lumbar lordosis angle (R(2)=0.45) and thoracic kyphosis angle (R(2)=0.54).
• Established significant relationships between cervical, thoracic, and lumbar curvatures and CoP fluctuations during quiet standing.
• Demonstrated the predictive power of postural sway metrics on spinal alignment.

Conclusions:

• Postural control, reflected in CoP dynamics, is closely related to spinal curvatures in healthy individuals.
• This non-invasive method provides insights into the interplay between spinal geometry and balance.
• Findings contribute to a better understanding of upright posture and may inform interventions for back pain and postural disorders.