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Sheeran L, Al-Amri M, Sparkes V, Davies JL. Assessment of Spinal and Pelvic Kinematics Using Inertial Measurement Units in Clinical Subgroups of Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2127. [PMID: 38610338 PMCID: PMC11013962 DOI: 10.3390/s24072127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer a portable and quantitative solution for clinical movement analysis. However, their application in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) remains underexplored. This study compared the spine and pelvis kinematics obtained from IMUs between individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical subgroups of NSLBP. A total of 81 participants with NSLBP with flexion (FP; n = 38) and extension (EP; n = 43) motor control impairment and 26 controls (No-NSLBP) completed 10 repetitions of spine movements (flexion, extension, lateral flexion). IMUs were placed on the sacrum, fourth and second lumbar vertebrae, and seventh cervical vertebra to measure inclination at the pelvis, lower (LLx) and upper (ULx) lumbar spine, and lower cervical spine (LCx), respectively. At each location, the range of movement (ROM) was quantified as the range of IMU orientation in the primary plane of movement. The ROM was compared between NSLBP and No-NSLBP using unpaired t-tests and across FP-NSLBP, EP-NSLBP, and No-NSLBP subgroups using one-way ANOVA. Individuals with NSLBP exhibited a smaller ROM at the ULx (p = 0.005), LLx (p = 0.003) and LCx (p = 0.01) during forward flexion, smaller ROM at the LLx during extension (p = 0.03), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.003). Those in the EP-NSLBP group had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at LLx during forward flexion (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.005), extension (p = 0.013), and lateral flexion (p = 0.038), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.005). Those in the FP-NSLBP subgroup had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at the ULx during forward flexion (p = 0.024). IMUs detected variations in kinematics at the trunk, lumbar spine, and pelvis among individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical NSLBP subgroups during flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. These findings consistently point to reduced ROM in NSLBP. The identified subgroup differences highlight the potential of IMU for assessing spinal and pelvic kinematics in these clinically verified subgroups of NSLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liba Sheeran
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Mohammad Al-Amri
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Valerie Sparkes
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer L. Davies
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
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Herrero P, Ríos-Asín I, Lapuente-Hernández D, Pérez L, Calvo S, Gil-Calvo M. The Use of Sensors to Prevent, Predict Transition to Chronic and Personalize Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7695. [PMID: 37765752 PMCID: PMC10534870 DOI: 10.3390/s23187695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a highly prevalent condition that implies substantial expenses and affects quality of life in terms of occupational and recreational activities, physical and psychological health, and general well-being. The diagnosis and treatment are challenging processes due to the unknown underlying causes of the condition. Recently, sensors have been included in clinical practice to implement its management. In this review, we furthered knowledge about the potential benefits of sensors such as force platforms, video systems, electromyography, or inertial measure systems in the assessment process of NSLBP. We concluded that sensors could identify specific characteristics of this population like impaired range of movement, decreased stability, or disturbed back muscular activation. Sensors could provide sufferers with earlier diagnosis, prevention strategies to avoid chronic transition, and more efficient treatment approaches. Nevertheless, the review has limitations that need to be considered in the interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Herrero
- IIS Aragon—iHealthy Research Group, C. de San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.H.); (D.L.-H.); (L.P.); (M.G.-C.)
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, C. de Domingo Miral, S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Izarbe Ríos-Asín
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, C. de Domingo Miral, S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. de la Ilustración, 60, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Lapuente-Hernández
- IIS Aragon—iHealthy Research Group, C. de San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.H.); (D.L.-H.); (L.P.); (M.G.-C.)
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, C. de Domingo Miral, S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Luis Pérez
- IIS Aragon—iHealthy Research Group, C. de San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.H.); (D.L.-H.); (L.P.); (M.G.-C.)
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, C. de Domingo Miral, S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Sandra Calvo
- IIS Aragon—iHealthy Research Group, C. de San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.H.); (D.L.-H.); (L.P.); (M.G.-C.)
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, C. de Domingo Miral, S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Marina Gil-Calvo
- IIS Aragon—iHealthy Research Group, C. de San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.H.); (D.L.-H.); (L.P.); (M.G.-C.)
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Universidad de León, Cjón. Campus Vegazana, S/N, 24007 León, Spain
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Miñambres-Martín D, Martín-Casas P, López-de-Uralde-Villanueva I, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Valera-Calero JA, Plaza-Manzano G. Physical Function in Amateur Athletes with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063743. [PMID: 35329430 PMCID: PMC8953459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze if chronic low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc herniation induce biomechanics, flexibility, body balance, physical activity, and muscular function alterations compared to a similar asymptomatic cohort. Fifty male volunteers (n = 25 with chronic LBP and lumbar disc herniation and n = 25 pain-free subjects) were enrolled. Range of motion (internal and external hip rotation, ankle dorsiflexion, and active straight leg raise, ASLR), trunk flexibility (finger−floor distance), body balance (Y-balance test) and muscle function (Biering−Sorensen test, prone and lateral bridges) outcomes were assessed. Comparative analyses between sides and group were conducted. Results: Patients showed greater weight and BMI compared with controls (p < 0.05). None of the outcomes bilaterally assessed showed side-to-side differences for pain-free participants (all, p > 0.05) or LBP patients (all, p > 0.05). Regarding the differences between groups, LBP patients showed limited internal hip rotation (p < 0.001), finger−floor distance (p < 0.001), body balance (p < 0.001), and muscle endurance (planks p < 0.001; Biering−Sorensen test p < 0.05). External hip rotation, ASLR, and ankle dorsiflexion range of movement were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). The sample of pain-free amateur athletes showed greater range of movement for internal hip rotation, lower finger−floor distance, better body balance, and muscle function. However, the external hip rotation, ankle dorsiflexion, and ASLR tests showed no difference between cases and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Miñambres-Martín
- Premium Madrid Global Health Care, 28016 Madrid, Spain;
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
| | - Patricia Martín-Casas
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-C.); (I.L.-d.-U.-V.); (G.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ibai López-de-Uralde-Villanueva
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-C.); (I.L.-d.-U.-V.); (G.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- VALTRADOFI Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Universidad Camilo José Cela, 28692 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-C.); (I.L.-d.-U.-V.); (G.P.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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