Does inter-vertebral range of motion increase after spinal manipulation? A prospective cohort study.

Background: Spinal manipulation for nonspecific neck pain is thought to work in part by improving inter-vertebral range of motion (IV-RoM), but it is difficult to measure this or determine whether it is related to clinical outcomes. Objectives: This study undertook to determine whether cervical spine flexion and extension IV-RoM increases after a course of spinal manipulation, to explore relationships between any IV-RoM increases and clinical outcomes and to compare palpation with objective measurement in the detection of hypo-mobile segments. Method: Thirty patients with nonspecific neck pain and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender received quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) screenings to measure flexion and extension IV-RoM (C1-C6) at baseline and 4-week follow-up between September 2012-13. Patients received up to 12 neck manipulations and completed NRS, NDI and Euroqol 5D-5L at baseline, plus PGIC and satisfaction questionnaires at follow-up. IV-RoM accuracy, repeatability and hypo-mobility cut-offs were determined. Minimal detectable changes (MDC) over 4 weeks were calculated from controls. Patients and control IV-RoMs were compared at baseline as well as changes in patients over 4 weeks. Correlations between outcomes and the number of manipulations received and the agreement (Kappa) between palpated and QF-detected of hypo-mobile segments were calculated. Results: QF had high accuracy (worst RMS error 0.5o) and repeatability (highest SEM 1.1o, lowest ICC 0.90) for IV-RoM measurement. Hypo-mobility cut offs ranged from 0.8o to 3.5o. No outcome was significantly correlated with increased IV-RoM above MDC and there was no significant difference between the number of hypo-mobile segments in patients and controls at baseline or significant increases in IV-RoMs in patients. However, there was a modest and significant correlation between the number of manipulations received and the number of levels and directions whose IV-RoM increased beyond MDC (Rho=0.39, p=0.043). There was also no agreement between palpation and QF in identifying hypo-mobile segments (Kappa 0.04-0.06). Conclusions: This study found no differences in cervical sagittal IV-RoM between patients with non-specific neck pain and matched controls. There was a modest dose-response relationship between the number of manipulations given and number of levels increasing IV-RoM - providing evidence that neck manipulation has a mechanical effect at segmental levels. However, patient-reported outcomes were not related to this

Use of embedded strain gages for the in-vitro study of proximal tibial cancellous bone deformation during knee flexion-extension movement: development, reproducibility and preliminary results of feasibility after frontal low femoral osteotomy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This paper reports the development of an in-vitro technique allowing quantification of relative (not absolute) deformations measured at the level of the cancellous bone of the tibial proximal epiphysis (CB_TPE) during knee flexion-extension. This method has been developed to allow a future study of the effects of low femoral osteotomies consequence on the CB_TPE.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Six strain gages were encapsulated in an epoxy resin solution to form, after resin polymerisation, six measurement elements (ME). The latter were inserted into the CB_TPEof six unembalmed specimens, just below the tibial plateau. Knee motion data were collected by three-dimensional (3D) electrogoniometry during several cycles of knee flexion-extension. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was estimated on one specimen for all MEs. Intra-specimen repeatability was calculated to determine specimen's variability and the error of measurement. A varum and valgum chirurgical procedure was realised on another specimen to observed CB_TPEdeformation after these kind of procedure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Average intra-observer variation of the deformation ranged from 8% to 9% (mean coefficient of variation, MCV) respectively for extension and flexion movement. The coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC) ranged from 0.93 to 0.96 for flexion and extension. No phase shift of maximum strain peaks was observed. Inter-observer MCV averaged 23% and 28% for flexion and extension. The CMC were 0.82 and 0.87 respectively for extension and flexion. For the intra-specimen repeatability, the average of mean RMS difference and the mean ICC were calculated only for flexion movement. The mean RMS variability ranged from 7 to 10% and the mean ICC was 0.98 (0.95 - 0.99). A Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated showing that RMS was independent of signal intensity. For the chirurgical procedure, valgum and varum deviation seems be in agree with the frontal misalignment theory.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Results show that the methodology is reproducible within a range of 10%. This method has been developed to allow analysis the indirect reflect of deformation variations in CB_TPEbefore and after distal femoral osteotomies. The first results of the valgum and varum deformation show that our methodology allows this kind of measurement and are encourageant for latter studies. It will therefore allow quantification and enhance the understanding of the effects of this kind of surgery on the CB_TPEloading.</p

A Review of Direct Neck Measurement in Occupational Settings

No guidelines are available to orient researchers on the availability and applications of equipment and sensors for recording precise neck movements in occupational settings. In this study reports on direct measurements of neck movements in the workplace were reviewed. Using relevant keywords two independent reviewers searched for eligible studies in the following databases: Cinahal, Cochrane, Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, MEDLINE, PEDro, Scopus and Web of Science. After applying the inclusion criteria, 13 articles on direct neck measurements in occupational settings were retrieved from among 33,666 initial titles. These studies were then methodologically evaluated according to their design characteristics, exposure and outcome assessment, and statistical analysis. The results showed that in most of the studies the three axes of neck movement (flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation) were not simultaneously recorded. Deficiencies in available equipment explain this flaw, demonstrating that sensors and systems need to be improved so that a true understanding of real occupational exposure can be achieved. Further studies are also needed to assess neck movement in those who perform heavy-duty work, such as nurses and electricians, since no report about such jobs was identified

A PCA-based bio-motion generator to synthesize new patterns of human running

[EN] Synthesizing human movement is useful for most applications where the use of avatars is required. These movements should be as realistic as possible and thus must take into account anthropometric characteristics (weight, height, etc.), gender, and the performance of the activity being developed. The aim of this study is to develop a new methodology based on the combination of principal component analysis and partial least squares regression model that can generate realistic motion from a set of data (gender, anthropometry and performance). A total of 18 volunteer runners have participated in the study. The joint angles of the main body joints were recorded in an experimental study using 3D motion tracking technology. A five-step methodology has been employed to develop a model capable of generating a realistic running motion. The described model has been validated for running motion, showing a highly realistic motion which fits properly with the real movements measured. The described methodology could be applied to synthesize any type of motion: walking, going up and down stairs, etc. In future work, we want to integrate the motion in realistic body shapes, generated with a similar methodology and from the same simple original data.The research for this paper was done within the EASY-IMP project (http://www.easy-imp.eu/) funded by the European Commission FP7.FoF.NMP.2013-5 Project 609078. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Baydal Bertomeu, JM.; Dura Gil, J.; Piérola Orcero, A.; Parrilla Bernabé, E.; Ballester Fernández, A.; Alemany Munt, S. (2016). A PCA-based bio-motion generator to synthesize new patterns of human running. PeerJ Computer Science. 4:1-16. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.102S116

SOSORT consensus paper: school screening for scoliosis. Where are we today?

This report is the SOSORT Consensus Paper on School Screening for Scoliosis discussed at the 4th International Conference on Conservative Management of Spinal Deformities, presented by SOSORT, on May 2007. The objectives were numerous, 1) the inclusion of the existing information on the issue, 2) the analysis and discussion of the responses by the meeting attendees to the twenty six questions of the questionnaire, 3) the impact of screening on frequency of surgical treatment and of its discontinuation, 4) the reasons why these programs must be continued, 5) the evolving aim of School Screening for Scoliosis and 6) recommendations for improvement of the procedure

Influence of side-shift therapy associated or not with a shoe lift on idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract Introduction: The benefits of side-shift therapy associated with a shoe lift in scoliosis can act by reorganizing the asymmetries found in these individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of side-shift therapy with or without a high or low shoe lift in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Materials and Methods: 10 individuals of both genders, aged 13-24 years, were selected, with scoliosis "S" and right thoracic and left lumbar greater than 10º. Initially the order of the task was static and then dynamic, after which there was a draw for the conditions with the shoe lift. The values of postural angles during the five lateral tilt movements were obtained and also the minimum and maximum values of each movement. The average value of postural angle in the static position, without a shoe lift, was used as a reference. Results: The movement associated with the shoe lift demonstrated less significant results compared with the effect of the static shoe lift and the side-shift movements performed in isolation, no significant results in any angle were found. Discussion: Both movements, to the side of the convexity or to the opposite side, seemed to decrease the effect of the shoe lift. The side-shift movement performed in isolation failed to influence the postural angles in general, demonstrating that acute intervention may not be efficient. Conclusion: The influence of side-shift therapy associated with a high or low shoe lift on both sides was effective, but the shoe lift in the static position produced the most significant changes and therefore is considered a better intervention in order to prevent the progression of double curve in patients with idiopathic scoliosis

Influência de calços na orientação postural de indivíduos com escoliose idiopática

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between the orientation of the segments and the adjustments that can be triggered by shoe lift and insoles in scoliotic patients during maintenance of standing position is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To verify static changes and those associated with unilateral manipulations of shoe lift in the postural orientation in people with idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental group composed of ten patients with idiopathic scoliosis with double curve (less 10°) and control group with ten participants without scoliosis (aging from 13 to 24 years). Participants were videotaped in upright stance, standing with no, low (1 cm), and high (3 cm) shoe lift, which were placed under right and left shoe. In each condition, the participant maintain upright stance for 15 seconds and reflective markers were affixed on specific anatomical places. Postural angles were obtained: high thoracic; medium thoracic; thoracolumbar; and lumbar, as well segmental angles: shoulder; scapula; pelvis; and knee. RESULTS: In the no shoe lift condition, differences were observed between groups for high and medium thoracic angles and for shoulder. With low and high shoe lift under the right foot, difference was observed between shoe lift heights for high thoracic, for pelvis and knee angles. With low and high shoe lift under the left foot, differences between groups were observed for thoracolumbar angle and between shoe lift heights for pelvis and knee angles. CONCLUSIONS: The shoe lift promotes reorientation in the lower regions of the spine and segments of pelvis and knee. It might be suggested that in the scoliosis with double curves, manipulation in the basis of support changes the alignment of the trunk that might promote structural reorganization and the search of new adjustments among segments in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis.INTRODUÇÃO: A relação entre a orientação dos segmentos e os ajustes que podem ser desencadeados por calços e palmilhas em pacientes escolióticos durante a manutenção da posição ortostática é pouco conhecida. OBJETIVO: Verificar alterações estáticas e associadas com mudanças unilaterais de calços na orientação postural de indivíduos com escoliose idiopática. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Grupo experimental com dez indivíduos com escoliose idiopática com curva dupla (menor 10°) e grupo controle com dez indivíduos sem escoliose (faixa etária de 13 a 24 anos). Participantes foram filmados na posição ortostática sem calço, com calço baixo (1 cm) e com calço alto (3 cm); estes foram colocados sob o pé direito e pé esquerdo dos indivíduos. Em cada condição, o participante manteve a posição estática durante 15 segundos e marcadores refletivos foram colocados em pontos anatômicos específicos. Foram calculados ângulos posturais: torácico alto; torácico médio; toracolombar e lombar e ângulos segmentares: ombro; escápula; pelve e joelho. RESULTADOS: Na condição sem calço, diferenças foram observadas entre grupos para os ângulos posturais toracolombar e lombar e para o ângulo segmentar do ombro. Com calço baixo e alto, sob o pé direito, diferença foi observada entre calços para os ângulos lombar, da pelve e do joelho. Com calço baixo e alto, sob o pé esquerdo, diferença foi observada entre grupos para o ângulo toracolombar e entre calços para os ângulos da pelve e do joelho. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização de calço promove reorientação nas regiões mais baixas da coluna e nos segmentos da pelve e do joelho. Estes resultados sugerem que nas escolioses duplas, manipulação da base de apoio modifica o alinhamento do tronco que pode provocar reorganização das estruturas e busca de um novo arranjo entre segmentos em indivíduos com escoliose idiopática.Universidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências e TecnologiaUniversidade Cruzeiro do Sul Instituto de Ciências da Atividade Física e EsporteUniversidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Educação FísicaUniversidade Estadual Paulista Faculdade de Ciências e TecnologiaUniversidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Educação Físic