Article

During gait analysis, motion of the lumbar region is tracked either by means of a
2-dimensional assessment with markers placed along the spine or a 3-dimensional
assessment treating the lumbar region as a rigid segment. The rigid segment
assumption is necessary for inverse dynamic calculations further up the kinematic
chain. In the absence of a reference standard, the choice of model is mostly
based on clinical experience. However, the potential exists for large differences
in kinematic output if different protocols are used. The aim of this study was to
determine the influence of using two 3-dimensional lumbar segment protocols on
the resultant kinematic output during gait. The first protocol was a skin surface
rigid protocol with markers placed across the lumbar region while the second
consisted of a rigid cluster utilizing active markers applied over the 3rd lumbar
vertebra. Data from both protocols were compared through simultaneous recording
during gait. Overall variability was lower in 4 out of 6 measures for the skin
surface protocol. Ensemble average graphs demonstrated similar mean profiles
between protocols. However, Functional Limits of Agreement demonstrated only a
poor to moderate agreement. This trend was confirmed with a poor to moderate
waveform similarity (CMC range 0.29-0.71). This study demonstrates that the
protocol used to track lumbar segment kinematics is an important consideration
for clinical and research purposes. Greater variability recorded by the rigid
cluster during lumbar rotation suggests the skin surface protocol may be more
suited to studies where axial rotation is a consideration.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS