Adaptation of torso movement strategies in persons with spinal cord injury or low back pain

• Published in: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 2010-09, Vol.35 (19), p.1753-1759
• Main Authors: Kim, K Han, Choe, Su Bang, Haig, Andrew J, Martin, Bernard J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Adolescent; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Hip Joint - physiopathology; Humans; Low Back Pain - physiopathology; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Models, Statistical; Movement; Postural Balance; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology; Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology; Spine - physiopathology; Weight-Bearing; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0362-2436; 1528-1159
• DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181cb4769

Controlled laboratory study. Statistical regression and between-group comparisons. To characterize functional limitation and adaptive strategies in seated manual transport tasks for spinal cord injury (SCI), low back pain (LBP), and control participants. People with SCI are known to have adapted electromyographic activities and slow hand movement velocity, while those with LBP have reduced range of motion and lumbar joint contribution. However, their resultant outcome in torso movements has not been systematically quantified. Seated participants performed either 2- or 1-handed loaded transports to 1 of 6 targets 49 cm above the hip-point, at 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees azimuths, at close and far distance. Three-dimensional torso movements were modeled by combinations of B-spine base functions. The SCI and LBP participants exhibit smaller torso flexion and axial rotation than control participants. The SCI participants tend to move the torso away from the target to maintain upper body balance. These differences among groups are significantly reduced in the 1-handed transport condition and/or transports to the frontal target. The movement patterns suggest that SCI participants may have adapted torso movement strategies to compensate for the limited control of upper body balance, while LBP participants may limit torso motion to avoid pain.