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Intersegmental Spinal Range of Motion Estimated Using Movement Analysis and a Clinically Compatible Marker Set
Arina Grankova1, Claudio Vergari2, Maud Crezé3,4
1Arts et Metiers Institute of Technology, EPF Engineering School, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IBHGC-Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak, F-75013, Paris, France.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|April 1, 2026
Summary
A new reduced marker protocol for motion capture shows promise for assessing spinal mobility. However, kinematic models significantly impact range of motion (ROM) results, necessitating further research for reliable clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Spinal mobility assessment is crucial for diagnosing and treating spinal disorders.
- Motion capture systems provide intersegmental kinematic data but face challenges in marker placement and reference frame definition.
- Standardized protocols are needed for clinically relevant and comparable spinal motion analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a reduced marker set protocol for estimating thoracic, lumbar, and intervertebral ranges of motion (ROM).
- To assess ROM during functional trunk movements: flexion/extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR).
- To investigate the impact of different kinematic models on spinal ROM estimation.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen asymptomatic adults underwent 3D motion capture using a 21-marker configuration during standardized trunk tasks.
- Anatomical coordinate systems were created for the pelvis, thoracic, and lumbar regions.
- Three intervertebral kinematic constraint models with varying degrees of freedom and ROM distribution were compared.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in ROM were observed between the tested kinematic models.
- ROM results also differed from established literature data.
- Model-dependent differences in ROM were not consistent across all movement types (FE, LB, AR).
Conclusions:
- The choice of kinematic model substantially influences spinal ROM and segmental ROM measurements.
- In vivo data reflecting functional, coupled spinal motion is essential.
- The proposed reduced marker protocol, coupled with validated kinematic constraints, offers a potentially feasible and anatomically sound approach for clinical spine mobility assessment.
