[Studies on dynamic posture in normal persons and scoliotic patients].

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical analysis of human posture
• Spinal deformity research
• Clinical biomechanics

Background:

• Dynamic posture assessment is crucial for understanding spinal health.
• Scoliosis, a spinal deformity, can impact trunk movement and posture.
• Previous studies have explored static postural differences in scoliosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dynamic postural differences between normal individuals and scoliotic patients.
• To analyze trunk rotation during marching in relation to age and scoliosis severity (Cobb angle).
• To identify potential biomechanical markers associated with scoliosis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Moiré topography, video recording, and an Apple II microcomputer system for dynamic posture analysis.
• Studied 127 normal males, 144 normal females, and 68 scoliotic patients.
• Subdivided normal groups by age and scoliotic groups by Cobb angle for detailed analysis.

Main Results:

• Early juvenile females showed greater clockwise rotation during marching.
• Normal individuals over seven years exhibited symmetrical rotation during on-the-spot marching.
• Scoliotic patients displayed asymmetric trunk movement during marching, with significantly larger rotation angles compared to normal adolescent females.
• A negative correlation was observed between scoliosis curve severity and trunk rotation angle during marching.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic posture, specifically trunk rotation during marching, is significantly altered in individuals with scoliosis.
• Trunk movement asymmetry is a characteristic feature of scoliosis during dynamic activities.
• The findings suggest that reduced trunk rotation may be associated with more severe scoliosis curves.