Contribution of ribcage movement to thoracolumbar posteroanterior stiffness.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate (1) whether thoracolumbar posteroanterior (PA) stiffness differs between 2 conditions of ribcage movement: unconstrained and constrained, and (2) whether the effect of ribcage constraint on PA stiffness varies according to where the PA force is applied.


METHODS
Two-factor within-subjects design.


METHODS
Spinal Mechanics Laboratory, University of Sydney.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 41 subjects, asymptomatic for back pain, participated. PA stiffness at T12-L4 was measured in the unconstrained and constrained ribcage conditions with a mechanical device. For the constrained condition, we used a clamping device to apply a force to the subject's lower thorax to reduce movement.


METHODS
PA stiffness at T12-L4 under both ribcage conditions.


RESULTS
PA stiffness at T12-L4 significantly increased when the ribcage was constrained (P<.05). However, the effect of ribcage movement did not depend on the location of the PA force.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the properties of the ribcage influence measures of PA stiffness in the thoracolumbar (T12-L4) spine uniformly. Variations in PA stiffness in segments T12-L4 may reflect the properties of the intervertebral joints.
Chansirinukor
Wunpen
W
School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Sydney, 1/13 Mary Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141, Australia. wcha1745@mail.usyd.edu.au
Lee
Michael
M
Latimer
Jane
J
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012272:Ribs; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*