title: A simple analysis model simulating the correlation of cervical traction force with the pressure in the cervical nucleus pulposus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To design a simple model for analyzing the correlation between the changes in cervical traction force and that of the pressure in the cervical nucleus pulposus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multiple non-linear mathematical models were established by means of regression analysis to calculate the correlation coefficient and variance, and the capacity of each model to predict the changes on the test points was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Logarithm model was apparently not adequate for the purpose and quadratic model and power model showed poor capacity for predicting the changes of the experimental data. Exponential model and cubic model, in contrast, well illustrated the trend of the changes in the data, therefore best met the demands.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exponential model best describes the trends of the changes of the experimental data and can procure continuous values of the pressure reduction in the cervical nucleus pulposus in association with varied cervical traction forces, thus offering useful information for relevant theoretical analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
authors.forename: Meng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yi-Kai
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Wei-Wen
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Xi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011312:Pressure; D014143:Traction