The role that spinal motion plays during ambulation is not clearly understood. Little in vivo regional spinal motion data exists in the literature with regard to walking and most gait models disregard the upper body altogether, or regard it as a single rigid structure. This study aims to increase understanding of the contribution of spinal motion during walking by improving the way spinal motion is modeled and measured. By increasing knowledge of the relationship between spine motion and restriction, and its impact on the rest of the musculoskeletal system in locomotion, a broader understanding regarding the implications of disease and treatment will be gained. A kinematic model was developed and validated for the study of regional spinal motion concurrently with conventional gait data. Application of this model allowed for development of a foundation of able-bodied spinal motion patterns and ranges of motion during gait. Able-bodied subjects were also studied with and without imposed spinal restriction to gain an understanding of how restricted spinal motion affects kinematics during walking. To fully appreciate the effects of spinal restriction and true surgical spinal fusion on gait, subjects with spine deformity were studied before and after surgery. In this dissertation, data are presented that provide preliminary evidence that the spine has a more substantial role in gait than previously demonstrated. Support for the intended effect of spinal restriction was presented in both able-bodied and pathological subjects. Results indicate that regional motion superior to the restriction increased. Increased accelerations at the head and cervical regions with spinal restriction (in both able-bodied and pathological subjects) provide evidence of the spine's role in shock attenuation during gait. Additionally, both static and dynamic pathological alignment after surgical spinal restriction more closely resembled able-bodied alignment. Knowledge gained from this research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of human walking, spinal motion, and the effects of surgical fusions on spinal alignment. This information may assist clinicians in predicting and avoiding development of additional problems that could result from restricted spinal motion. Awareness of these issues will enable clinicians to monitor patients for problems associated with gait that may result from decreased spine motion.

Last modified

• 05/21/2018

Creator

• Regina Jane Konz

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/N23X48

Subject

• Biomedical Engineering

Keyword

• thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis
• walking
• spinal restriction
• kinematic model
• spine motion
• gait

Date created

• 2007-04-13

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright