Development of kinematics tests for the evaluation of lumbar proprioception and equilibration.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at developing lumbar repositioning and seated equilibration tests.


METHODS
3D-electrogoniometric study of trunk repositioning and equilibration in seated position.


BACKGROUND
Postural equilibrium and lumbar proprioception alterations have been shown in patients with low-back pain.


METHODS
In 21 healthy volunteers, pure flexion and flexion+rotation repositioning error was measured using 3D-electrogoniometry. Lumbar kinematics was analysed (time and frequency domain) during antero-posterior and lateral equilibration tests in seated position. Reproducibility and stability of the protocol were evaluated.


RESULTS
Reproducibility and stability were good. Pure flexion repositioning error was similar to previous reports. For flexion+rotation tests, repositioning error was 3 degrees for flexion and 1 degrees for rotation. Amplitude, imbalance time and power spectrum were significantly larger in lateral than in antero-posterior equilibration tests.


CONCLUSIONS
The feasibility of kinematic analysis of lumbar repositioning and equilibration was shown. Repositioning error values were in agreement with previous studies. New tests and parameters were proposed. Lateral equilibration tests appeared more demanding than antero-posterior tests.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with low-back pain, lumbar repositioning and equilibration tests may be of use to define rehabilitation strategies and to evaluate treatment outcome.
Feipel
Veronique
V
Laboratory for Functional Anatomy, School of Sports and Physical Therapy, University of Brussels (CP 619), 808, route de Lennik, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium. vfeipel@ulb.ac.be
Parent
Christele
C
Dugailly
Pierre-Michel
PM
Brassinne
Eric
E
Salvia
Patrick
P
Rooze
Marcel
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors