A clinical method for measuring segmental flexion mobility in the cervico-thoracic spine and a model for...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Spinal mobility limitations and pain are common patient complaints.
• Existing methods assess total spinal range of motion but lack segmental examination.
• A need exists for a clinical technique to evaluate specific spinal segment mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a clinical technique for assessing segmental flexion mobility in the cervico-thoracic spine (C7-T5).
• To develop a classification model for spinal mobility.
• To validate the Cervico-Thoracic-Ratio (CTR) technique's clinical utility.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Cervico-Thoracic-Ratio (CTR) technique for measuring segmental flexion mobility.
• Application of the CTR technique to the cervico-thoracic spine (C7-T5).
• Creation of a classification model for functional analysis of spinal mobility.

Main Results:

• The CTR technique provides a valuable complement to conventional cervical spine mobility assessments.
• Normalized CTR values demonstrate reduced influence from individual factors like age and body weight.
• The proposed classification model enhances the functional analysis of segmental flexion mobility in the cervico-thoracic junction and upper thoracic spine.

Conclusions:

• The Cervico-Thoracic-Ratio (CTR) technique is a clinically valuable method for assessing segmental spinal flexion mobility.
• CTR offers a reliable and less individually influenced measure of cervico-thoracic spine mobility.
• The classification model supports more substantial functional analysis of upper spine mobility.