Clinical biomechanics
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Clinical biomechanics · Oct 2005
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialBody mass as a factor in stature change.
Back pain is a common condition which has been described as a serious public health problem. Spinal shrinkage has been used as an index of spinal loading in a range of tasks. Epidemiological evidence shows that body mass index (BMI: 30 kg/m(2)) is related to the development of low back pain however, no studies have described the stature change patterns of obese individuals. This study aimed to compare changes in stature after an exercise task in obese and non-obese individuals. ⋯ It was concluded that the acute response of the spine to loading may represent a risk factor for low back pain in the obese, in addition to the chronic adaptations previously reported. A greater period of recovery may be necessary for obese individuals to re-establish intervertebral disc height. These findings may help to explain the high incidence of back disorders in obese individuals.
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Clinical biomechanics · Oct 2005
Clinical TrialChanges in three dimensional lumbo-pelvic kinematics and trunk muscle activity with speed and mode of locomotion.
Control of the trunk is critical for locomotor efficiency. However, investigations of trunk muscle activity and three-dimensional lumbo-pelvic kinematics during walking and running remain scarce. ⋯ These data provide evidence of the association between lumbo-pelvic motion and trunk muscle activity during locomotion at different speeds and modes.