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Defining and measuring objective and subjective spinal stiffness: a scoping review
Joel Moses1, Sylvia Hach2, Jesse Mason1
1Private Practice, Cambridge, New Zealand.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|December 14, 2022
Summary
This review found many diverse ways to measure spinal stiffness, but no standard definition exists. Understanding these objective and subjective measures is key for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal stiffness is a key factor in various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Objective and subjective measures are used to assess spinal stiffness.
- Clinical implications necessitate a clear understanding of spinal stiffness assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review definitions and measures of spinal stiffness.
- To identify the scope of objective and subjective spinal stiffness assessments.
- To explore the clinical relevance of current spinal stiffness measures.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review methodology was employed, adhering to the Arksey and O'Malley framework.
- Searches were conducted across PubMed, Ebsco health, and Scopus databases.
- Studies were included if they reported definitions or measures of spinal stiffness and categorized into four themes.
Main Results:
- 2,426 records were identified, with 410 studies meeting eligibility criteria.
- 350 distinct measures of spinal stiffness were identified (132 subjective, 218 objective).
- A significant majority of studies (69%) failed to provide a clear definition of spinal stiffness.
Conclusions:
- The literature reveals a wide array of diverse objective and subjective measures for spinal stiffness.
- There is a lack of consensus on a standardized definition of spinal stiffness.
- Clinical practice and research require a more unified approach to defining and measuring spinal stiffness.
