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Quirk DA, Chung J, Schiller G, Cherin JM, Arens P, Sherman DA, Zeligson ER, Dalton DM, Awad LN, Walsh CJ. Reducing Back Exertion and Improving Confidence of Individuals with Low Back Pain with a Back Exosuit: A Feasibility Study for Use in BACPAC. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:S175-S186. [PMID: 36794907 PMCID: PMC10403307 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low back pain (LBP) is hallmarked by activity limitations, especially for tasks involving bending. Back exosuit technology reduces low back discomfort and improves self-efficacy of individuals with LBP during bending and lifting tasks. However, the biomechanical efficacy of these devices in individuals with LBP is unknown. This study sought to determine biomechanical and perceptual effects of a soft active back exosuit designed to assist individuals with LBP sagittal plane bending. To understand patient-reported usability and use cases for this device. METHODS Fifteen individuals with LBP performed two experimental lifting blocks once with and without an exosuit. Trunk biomechanics were measured by muscle activation amplitudes, and whole-body kinematics and kinetics. To evaluate device perception, participants rated task effort, low back discomfort, and their level of concern completing daily activities. RESULTS The back exosuit reduced peak back extensor: moments by 9%, and muscle amplitudes by 16% when lifting. There were no changes in abdominal co-activation and small reductions maximum trunk flexion compared to lifting without an exosuit. Participants reported lower task effort, back discomfort, and concern about bending and lifting with an exosuit compared to without. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a back exosuit not only imparts perceptual benefits of reduced task effort, discomfort, and increased confidence in individuals with LBP but that it achieves these benefits through measurable biomechanical reductions in back extensor effort. The combined effect of these benefits implies back exosuits might be a potential therapeutic aid to augment physical therapy, exercises, or daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Adam Quirk
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jinwon Chung
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gregory Schiller
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jason M Cherin
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philipp Arens
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David A Sherman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emma R Zeligson
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Diane M Dalton
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lou N Awad
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Conor J Walsh
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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2
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Quirk DA, Johnson ME, Anderson DE, Smuck M, Sun R, Matthew R, Bailey J, Marras WS, Bell KM, Darwin J, Bowden AE. Biomechanical Phenotyping of Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for BACPAC. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:S48-S60. [PMID: 36315101 PMCID: PMC10403313 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac163] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biomechanics represents the common final output through which all biopsychosocial constructs of back pain must pass, making it a rich target for phenotyping. To exploit this feature, several sites within the NIH Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) have developed biomechanics measurement and phenotyping tools. The overall aims of this article were to: 1) provide a narrative review of biomechanics as a phenotyping tool; 2) describe the diverse array of tools and outcome measures that exist within BACPAC; and 3) highlight how leveraging these technologies with the other data collected within BACPAC could elucidate the relationship between biomechanics and other metrics used to characterize low back pain (LBP). METHODS The narrative review highlights how biomechanical outcomes can discriminate between those with and without LBP, as well as among levels of severity of LBP. It also addresses how biomechanical outcomes track with functional improvements in LBP. Additionally, we present the clinical use case for biomechanical outcome measures that can be met via emerging technologies. RESULTS To answer the need for measuring biomechanical performance, our "Results" section describes the spectrum of technologies that have been developed and are being used within BACPAC. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS The outcome measures collected by these technologies will be an integral part of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies conducted in BACPAC. Linking these measures with other biopsychosocial data collected within BACPAC increases our potential to use biomechanics as a tool for understanding the mechanisms of LBP, phenotyping unique LBP subgroups, and matching these individuals with an appropriate treatment paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Adam Quirk
- Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Marit E Johnson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Dennis E Anderson
- Center for Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Smuck
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ruopeng Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Robert Matthew
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jeannie Bailey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - William S Marras
- Department of Integrated Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kevin M Bell
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessa Darwin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anton E Bowden
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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Lind CM, Abtahi F, Forsman M. Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics-An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094259. [PMID: 37177463 PMCID: PMC10181376 DOI: 10.3390/s23094259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major contributor to disability worldwide and substantial societal costs. The use of wearable motion capture instruments has a role in preventing WMSDs by contributing to improvements in exposure and risk assessment and potentially improved effectiveness in work technique training. Given the versatile potential for wearables, this article aims to provide an overview of their application related to the prevention of WMSDs of the trunk and upper limbs and discusses challenges for the technology to support prevention measures and future opportunities, including future research needs. The relevant literature was identified from a screening of recent systematic literature reviews and overviews, and more recent studies were identified by a literature search using the Web of Science platform. Wearable technology enables continuous measurements of multiple body segments of superior accuracy and precision compared to observational tools. The technology also enables real-time visualization of exposures, automatic analyses, and real-time feedback to the user. While miniaturization and improved usability and wearability can expand the use also to more occupational settings and increase use among occupational safety and health practitioners, several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. The future opportunities of increased usage of wearable motion capture devices for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may require more international collaborations for creating common standards for measurements, analyses, and exposure metrics, which can be related to epidemiologically based risk categories for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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Petersson M, Abbott A. Lumbar interspinous pressure pain threshold values for healthy young men and women and the effect of prolonged fully flexed lumbar sitting posture: An observational study. World J Orthop 2020; 11:158-166. [PMID: 32280605 PMCID: PMC7138865 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v11.i3.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition with large burden worldwide. Exposure to prolonged sitting with a flexed lumbar posture has been suggested in the literature to be a potential risk factor for self-reported LBP. No study has previously investigated whether exposure to prolonged flexed sitting posture provokes discomfort/pain and decreased interspinous pressure pain thresholds for healthy young men and women without back pain, despite this being a suggested risk factor for LBP.
AIM To investigate whether sitting in a prolonged flexed lumbar posture provokes discomfort and lowers interspinous pressure pain thresholds in the lumbar spine for healthy young men and women without previous LBP.
METHODS This is a an observational before and after study of 26 participants (13 men, 13 women) between 20-35 years old. Algometry was used to examine the pain threshold for pressure applied between spinous processes of the lumbar spine L1-L5. Pressure algometer measures were performed in prone before and after participants were instructed to sit in a fully flexed posture for a maximum of 15 min or until discomfort was experienced in the low back (Borg CR10 = 7/10). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analyze values from the before and after test conditions. Mann-Whitney U test was used to investigate potential gender difference.
RESULTS Fully flexed lumbar spine sitting posture up to 15 min provoked temporary discomfort but the proportion of participants experiencing discomfort 7/10 in the low back was 62%. For all pain pressure threshold locations tested, there was a significant difference for the study population with moderate-large decreased (r = -0.56) pressure pain threshold after exposure to prolonged flexed sitting posture (P < 0.01). Comparisons between gender did not show any significant difference.
CONCLUSION The result showed that exposure to fully flexed lumbar sitting posture for up to 15 min produced temporary discomfort in the low back in young healthy adults with no previous history of LBP and significantly reduced lumbar interspinous pressure pain thresholds. No gender-based differences were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Petersson
- Department of Physiotherapy Gripen, Värmland Country Council, Karlstad SE-65224, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE-58183, Sweden
| | - Allan Abbott
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE-58183, Sweden
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5
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Tendon and ligament mechanical loading in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:193-207. [PMID: 32080619 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical loading is an important factor in musculoskeletal health and disease. Tendons and ligaments require physiological levels of mechanical loading to develop and maintain their tissue architecture, a process that is achieved at the cellular level through mechanotransduction-mediated fine tuning of the extracellular matrix by tendon and ligament stromal cells. Pathological levels of force represent a biological (mechanical) stress that elicits an immune system-mediated tissue repair pathway in tendons and ligaments. The biomechanics and mechanobiology of tendons and ligaments form the basis for understanding how such tissues sense and respond to mechanical force, and the anatomical extent of several mechanical stress-related disorders in tendons and ligaments overlaps with that of chronic inflammatory arthritis in joints. The role of mechanical stress in 'overuse' injuries, such as tendinopathy, has long been known, but mechanical stress is now also emerging as a possible trigger for some forms of chronic inflammatory arthritis, including spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, seemingly diverse diseases of the musculoskeletal system might have similar mechanisms of immunopathogenesis owing to conserved responses to mechanical stress.
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Silva MJ, Gonçalves CP, Galvão KM, D'Alpino PHP, Nascimento FD. Synthesis and Characterizations of a Collagen-Rich Biomembrane with Potential for Tissue-Guided Regeneration. Eur J Dent 2019; 13:295-302. [PMID: 31476776 PMCID: PMC6890486 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1693751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives
In this study, a collagen-rich biomembrane obtained from porcine intestinal submucosa for application in guided bone regeneration was developed and characterized. Then, its biological and mechanical properties were compared with that of commercial products (
GenDerm
[Baumer],
Lumina-Coat
[Critéria],
Surgitime PTFE
[Bionnovation], and
Surgidry Dental F
[Technodry]).
Materials and Methods
The biomembrane was extracted from porcine intestinal submucosa. Scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopic dispersive energy, glycosaminoglycan quantification, and confocal microscopy by intrinsic fluorescence were used to evaluate the collagen structural patterns of the biomembrane. Mechanical tensile and deformation tests were also performed.
Statistical Analysis
The results of the methods used for experimental membrane characterizations were compared with that obtained by the commercial membranes and statistically analyzed (significance of 5%).
Results
The collagen-rich biomembrane developed also exhibited a more organized, less porous collagen fibril network, with the presence of glycosaminoglycans. The experimental biomembrane exhibited mechanical properties, tensile strength, and deformation behavior with improved average stress/strain when compared with other commercial membranes tested. Benefits also include a structured, flexible, and bioresorbable characteristics scaffold.
Conclusions
The experimental collagen-rich membrane developed presents physical–chemical, molecular, and mechanical characteristics similar to or better than that of the commercial products tested, possibly allowing it to actively participating in the process of bone neoformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos J Silva
- Universidade Anhanguera de São Paulo-UNIAN, Osasco, SP, Brazil.,Universidade de Araraquara, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia, Centro, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.,Biotechnology and Innovation in Health Program, Universidade Anhanguera de São Paulo (UNIAN/SP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Kleber M Galvão
- Universidade Anhanguera de São Paulo-UNIAN, Osasco, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo H P D'Alpino
- Biotechnology and Innovation in Health Program, Universidade Anhanguera de São Paulo (UNIAN/SP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio D Nascimento
- Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Centro de Ciências Biomédicas, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
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Wasser JG, Vincent KR, Herman DC, Vincent HK. Potential lower extremity amputation-induced mechanisms of chronic low back pain: role for focused resistance exercise. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 42:3713-3721. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1610507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Wasser
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kevin R. Vincent
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel C. Herman
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Heather K. Vincent
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Torre OM, Mroz V, Bartelstein MK, Huang AH, Iatridis JC. Annulus fibrosus cell phenotypes in homeostasis and injury: implications for regenerative strategies. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1442:61-78. [PMID: 30604562 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable efforts to develop cellular, molecular, and structural repair strategies and restore intervertebral disk function after injury, the basic biology underlying intervertebral disk healing remains poorly understood. Remarkably, little is known about the origins of cell populations residing within the annulus fibrosus, or their phenotypes, heterogeneity, and roles during healing. This review focuses on recent literature highlighting the intrinsic and extrinsic cell types of the annulus fibrosus in the context of the injury and healing environment. Spatial, morphological, functional, and transcriptional signatures of annulus fibrosus cells are reviewed, including inner and outer annulus fibrosus cells, which we propose to be referred to as annulocytes. The annulus also contains peripheral cells, interlamellar cells, and potential resident stem/progenitor cells, as well as macrophages, T lymphocytes, and mast cells following injury. Phases of annulus fibrosus healing include inflammation and recruitment of immune cells, cell proliferation, granulation tissue formation, and matrix remodeling. However, annulus fibrosus healing commonly involves limited remodeling, with granulation tissues remaining, and the development of chronic inflammatory states. Identifying annulus fibrosus cell phenotypes during health, injury, and degeneration will inform reparative regeneration strategies aimed at improving annulus fibrosus healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Torre
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Victoria Mroz
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Meredith K Bartelstein
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Alice H Huang
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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