Clinical biomechanics
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Clinical biomechanics · Jun 2001
Tomodensitometry measurements for in vivo quantification of mechanical properties of scoliotic vertebrae.
This in vivo study investigated the mechanical properties of scoliotic vertebrae especially in the apical zone. ⋯ This study suggested the following question: Could these CT measurements be a predictive tool in scoliosis treatment?
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Clinical biomechanics · May 2001
Spinal manipulation causes variable spine kinematic and trunk muscle electromyographic responses.
Analytic cohort with a convenience sample in a research clinic. ⋯ This study offers some preliminary data on the short-term effects of manipulation on lumbar range of motion and dynamic electromyogram. The findings suggest that the response to manipulation is variable and dependent on the individual, with no change in some to the largest changes seen in the more pained patients. Relevance. Basic science investigations into the mechanisms and biomechanical influences of spinal manipulation are few. This study attempts to address issues of measureable functional change with manipulative therapy.
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Clinical biomechanics · Jan 2001
Comparative StudyIntervertebral disc herniation: studies on a porcine model exposed to highly repetitive flexion/extension motion with compressive force.
To determine whether repeated motion with low magnitude joint forces, and flexion/extension moments consistently produce herniation in a non-degenerated, controlled porcine spine motion segment. ⋯ The results support the notion that intervertebral disc herniation may be more linked to repeated flexion extension motions than applied joint compression, at least with younger, non-degenerated specimens. Relevance. While intervertebral disc herniations are observed clinically, consistent reproduction of this injury in the laboratory has been elusive. This study was designed to examine the biomechanical response and failure mechanics of spine motion segments to highly repetitive low magnitude complex loading.
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Clinical biomechanics · Jan 2001
Comparative StudyAn EMG technique for measuring spinal loading during asymmetric lifting.
To compare two methods of calibrating the erector spinae electromyographic signal against moment generation in order to predict extensor moments during asymmetric lifting tasks, and to compare the predicted moments with those obtained using a linked-segment model. ⋯ The calibration method does not influence extensor moments predicted by the electromyographic technique in asymmetric lifting, suggesting that simple, sagittal-plane calibrations are adequate for this purpose. Differences in predicted moments between the electromyographic technique and linked-segment model may be partly due to different anthropometric assumptions and different amounts of smoothing and filtering in the two models, and partly due to antagonistic muscle forces, the effects of which cannot be measured by linked-segment models. RelevanceAsymmetric lifting is a significant risk factor for occupationally-related low back pain. Improved techniques for measuring spinal loading during such complex lifting tasks may help to identify work practices which place the spine at risk of injury.
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Clinical biomechanics · Jul 2000
ReviewThe relationship between psychosocial work characteristics and low back pain: underlying methodological issues.
To evaluate the current epidemiological evidence linking psychosocial work characteristics with low back pain. ⋯ This review attempts to identify and address methodological issues in the literature evaluating the relationship between psychosocial work characteristics and lower back pain. Implications for future research are presented.