Effect of hair and clothing on neck immobilization using a cervical collar

An important step during spine immobilization is application of a cervical collar. Clothing or hair covering the neck may impinge on this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of clothing and hair covering the neck on immobilization using a cervical collar. Study participants were 18 female volunteers with long hair aged 20 to 28 years. Cervical range of motion (ROM) was tested in 6 directions (flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, right and left axial rotation) using a cervical ROM (CROM) device. After measuring unrestricted ROM (no cervical collar), a 1-piece rigid cervical collar was placed the neck (1) covered by hair and clothing; (2) covered by clothing; (3) covered by hair; or (4) uncovered. Range of motion was retested under all 4 conditions. Data were compared using crossover-design analysis of variance (P<.05 statistically significant). Range of motion in all directions was significantly restricted by cervical collar placement under all conditions. Unrestricted ROM in all directions ranged from 41.50 degrees (7.25 degrees) to 70.76 degrees (15.4 degrees). In contrast, ROM with a cervical collar under the 4 conditions in all directions ranged from 10.80 degrees (5.10 degrees) to 18.81 degrees (7.37 degrees). We were unable to detect any significant differences in ROM between the 4 conditions. Our data suggest that long hair and clothing, which cover the neck, do not alter the effectiveness of cervical collar immobilization as measured by the cervical ROM device.     

Does stabilization of the tibiofemoral joint affect passive prone hip rotation range of motion measures in unimpaired individuals? A preliminary report

Use of the tibia as a lever to produce hip rotation for the purpose of measuring passive hip rotation range of motion (ROM) could result in inaccurate values if motion is allowed at the tibiofemoral joint (TFJ). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stabilizing the TFJ during measurement of prone hip rotation ROM in men and women. Passive hip rotation was measured in 20 unimpaired subjects (M = 10, F = 10) in two different stabilization conditions, with the TFJ stabilized and without the TFJ stabilized. A 2 x 2 analysis of variance was used to test for the effects of stabilization condition and gender on hip rotation measures. A significant interaction of gender and stabilization condition was obtained. Women displayed more hip rotation when the TFJ was not stabilized (M = 41.03 degrees , SD = 6.53 degrees ) than when the TFJ was stabilized (M = 35.05 degrees ; SD = 5.12 degrees ). Men displayed no difference in ROM between the two stabilization conditions (not stabilized: M = 39.07 degrees , SD = 4.87 degrees ; stabilized: M = 37.60 degrees , SD = 5.12 degrees ). To avoid measurement error of hip rotation ROM, use of the tibia as a lever to produce passive hip rotation should be used with caution, particularly in women.     

The use of electromagnetic tracking technology for measurement of passive cervical range of motion: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of electromagnetic tracking technology for measurement of passive cervical range of motion (ROM). DESIGN: Passive cervical ranges of motion from one extreme to the other were measured in 3 planes (transverse, frontal, and sagittal) by using an electromagnetic tracking system (ETS), the cervical range of motion device (CROM), and visual estimation (VE) with 2 blinded examiners, using a repeated measures design. SETTING: Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. INTERVENTION: Four studies were undertaken: (1) Measurement of ROM using 3 methods: the CROM, the ETS, and VE. Two examiners conducted measurements. (2) Measurement of ROM with the CROM and the ETS simultaneously by 1 examiner. (3) Measurement of ROM with the ETS by 2 examiners. (4) Measurement of medium-term reliability of ROM using the ETS over a 24-hour period by 1 examiner. Main outcome measure: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to investigate the reliability within and between each method and reliability of ROM over a 24-hour period. RESULTS: Study 1: Intra-instrument ICCs ranged from fair to high for the 3 measurement methods. The ETS performed best. Inter-instrument ICCs were poor. Study 2: Direct comparison of the ETS and the CROM yielded high ICCs for rotation and flexion/extension and fair for lateral flexion. Study 3: Interexaminer ICCs using the ETS were high for rotation, good for lateral flexion, and fair for flexion/extension; intraexaminer reliability was high for all planes. Study 4: 24-hour reliability of ROM using the ETS was good for rotation and lateral flexion and poor for flexion/extension. CONCLUSION: The ETS used in this investigation was an accurate instrument and efficient method for measurement and recording of passive cervical ROM. The ETS had high intraexaminer and fair-to-high interexaminer reliability for the measurement of extremes of ROM in 3 planes. It is probable that differences in the experience levels of examiners did affect interexaminer reliability of the ETS. The ETS and the CROM compared well in rotation and flexion/extension.     

Immediate effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the immediate effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain.Study designRandomized, controlled trial.BackgroundThoracic spine self-mobilization is performed after thoracic spine thrust manipulation to augment and maintain its effects. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization alone in individuals with mechanical neck pain. The purpose of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the immediate effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization alone without any other intervention on disability, pain, and cervical range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain.MethodsFifty-two patients (39 females and 13 males) with mechanical neck pain were randomly allocated to either a thoracic spine self-mobilization group that was performing a thoracic spine active flexion and extension activity using two tennis balls fixed by athletic tape or a placebo thoracic spine self-mobilization group. Outcome measures were collected at pre-intervention and immediately after intervention, including the Neck Disability Index, visual analogue scale, and active cervical range of motion (ROM). The immediate effect of the intervention was analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). If interactions were found, a simple main effect test was performed to compare the pre-post intra-group results.ResultsThe results of two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the main effect of time was significant (p < 0.05) for all measurement outcomes. The main effect of group was not significant for all measurement outcomes (p > 0.05). The group × time interactions for cervical flexion active ROM (p = 0.005) and cervical extension active ROM (p = 0.036) were significant. The tests of simple main effect in cervical flexion active ROM (p < 0.0001) and cervical extension active ROM (p < 0.0001) showed a significant difference before and after intervention in the thoracic spine self-mobilization group.ConclusionPatients with mechanical neck pain who carried out thoracic spine self-mobilization showed increases in active cervical flexion and extension ROM.     

Cervical coupling during lateral head translations creates an S-configuration

OBJECTIVE: To determine cervical coupling during the posture of lateral head translation relative to a fixed thoracic cage. DESIGN: Digitized measurements from anteroposterior cervical radiographs of 20 volunteers were obtained in neutral, left, and right lateral translation posture of the head compared to a fixed thorax. BACKGROUND DATA: Clinically, lateral translation of the head is a common posture. Ranges of motion and spinal coupling have not been reported for this movement. METHODS: Vertebral body corners, mid-lateral articular pillars and the superior spinous-lamina junction of C3-T4 were digitized on 60 radiographs. Using the orthogonal axis of positive x-direction to the left, vertical as positive y and anterior as positive z, digitized points were used to measure projected segmental z-axis rotation, y-axis rotation, and segmental lateral translations of each vertebra. RESULTS: Subjects translated their heads laterally a mean of 51 mm. The major coupled motion was lateral bending (z-axis rotation), which changed direction at the C4-C5 disc space creating an S-shape. Upper cervical (C3-C4) lateral bending was contralateral to the main motion of head translation direction. Lower cervical and upper thoracic lateral bending were ipsilateral. Other segmental motions averaged less than 1 mm and 1 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral head translations (x-axis) compared to a fixed thoracic cage can be large with a mean of 51 mm to one side. The major spinal coupling was lateral bending which changed direction at C4-C5 resulting in an S-configuration. This might have application in side impacts. All other segmental movements were small, less than 1 mm and 1 degrees. RELEVANCE: The clinically common posture of lateral head translation results in an S-shaped cervical spine and may occur in side impact trauma. This posture has not been studied for cervical coupling patterns or range of motion (ROM).     

Intrinsic and imposed hamstring length influence posterior pelvic rotation during hip flexion

BACKGROUND: The contribution of posterior tilt of the pelvis (pelvic rotation) to hip flexion has been described for individuals who are standing, supine, and suspended. The effects of intrinsic and imposed hamstring length on the motion have not been investigated in a controlled manner. This study investigated the influence of intrinsic and imposed hamstring length on pelvic rotation during bilateral active hip flexion. METHODS: Intrinsic hamstring length was characterized by the maximal active straight leg raise angle. Hamstring length was imposed by immobilizing the knees in 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees of flexion. Pelvic and thigh segments were marked with reflective spheres. Subjects' saggital plane motion was captured using computerized motion analysis during bilateral hip flexion while both knees were immobilized in three positions. Multifactorial analysis of variance was employed to show the effect of intrinsic and imposed hamstring length on pelvic rotation. FINDINGS: Pelvic rotation occurred throughout the hip flexion range of motion. Pelvic rotation was influenced significantly by hip flexion angle, knee position, the interaction between hip flexion angle and knee position, and the interaction between hip flexion angle, knee position, and active straight leg raise angle. INTERPRETATION: Both intrinsic and imposed hamstring length influence pelvic rotation during bilateral hip flexion. These influences should be considered by clinicians who have individuals engage in hip flexion maneuvers.     

Normal global motion of the cervical spine: an electrogoniometric study.

OBJECTIVE: Establishment of a normal database and clinical reference of active global cervical spine motion ranges and patterns using a commercial electrogoniometer. DESIGN: Three-dimensional cervical motion ranges and patterns were analyzed in 250 asymptomatic volunteers. BACKGROUND: In vivo out-of-plane motion patterns of the cervical spine have not yet been reported in large populations, but could be of clinical interest. METHODS: In 250 subjects (aged 14-70 yr), motion range and patterns between the first thoracic vertebra and the head were analyzed for flexion-extension, lateral bending, rotation in neutral sagittal plane position and in full flexion using the CA 6000 Spine Motion Analyzer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Average motion range in the sagittal plane was 122 degrees (SD: 18 degrees ). Flexion was slightly more important than extension. Out-of-plane components were negligible. Global bending range averaged 88 degrees (SD: 16 degrees ), left and right bending being comparable. Homolateral rotation was associated to lateral bending. Its extent was approximately 40% of the bending range. Global rotation range in neutral sagittal plane position was 144 degrees (SD: 20 degrees ), without significant difference between right and left rotations. Associated motion components were small. During rotation in flexed head position, global range (134 degrees, SD: 24 degrees ) was comparable to the one in neutral flexion. But heterolateral bending, averaging 60% of the primary motion, was associated to flexed rotation. Significant reduction of all primary (but not conjunct) motions with age were obtained. Sex had no influence on cervical motion range. RELEVANCE: Our results agreed with previous observations, validating the methodology used. They thus constitute reference data of cervical out-of-plane motion for clinical applications.     

Shoulder impingement: the effect of sitting posture on shoulder pain and range of motion

The re-education of spinal posture is an integral part of shoulder impingement management yet supporting evidence is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of slouched versus erect sitting posture on shoulder pain intensity and range of motion (ROM) in subjects with impingement. A same-subject repeated-measures design was utilized. Maximum active shoulder flexion and associated pain intensity were measured in 28 subjects in slouched and erect sitting postures, using video-analysis and visual analogue scales, respectively. An intra-tester reliability study of the video-analysis system was completed and intra-class correlation coefficients calculated. Shoulder flexion differences between slouched and erect sitting posture were analysed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The intra-tester reliability of the video-analysis method was found to be 'excellent' (ICC = 0.99). Flexion ROM was significantly greater in the erect sitting posture (F = 100.3, P < 0.0001); the mean ROM difference between postures was 17.67 degrees (+/- 9.17 degrees). There was no significant difference in pain intensity between postures (F = 1.9, P = 0.179). An erect sitting posture appeared to increase active shoulder flexion in subjects with shoulder impingement, although there were no differences in reported pain intensity. Further research is required to investigate the long-term effects of postural re-education.     

Scapular behavior in shoulder impingement syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the contribution of each scapular rotation to the scapular total range of motion (ROM) in both shoulders of persons with a unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), to compare 3-dimensional (3D) scapular attitudes of their symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders in flexion and in abduction, and to characterize the scapular behavior of these subjects by classifying them into subgroups based on scapular tilting differences between their symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders. DESIGN: Comparisons of 3D scapular attitudes, scapular total ROM, and percentage of contributions of each scapular rotation to the scapular total ROM. SETTING: A motricity laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one subjects, including 41 with a SIS (29 had an asymptomatic contralateral shoulder) and 10 healthy subjects. INTERVENTIONS: The 3D scapular attitudes were calculated with the subjects in a standardized seated position; with the arm at rest; or at 70 degrees, 90 degrees, and 110 degrees of shoulder flexion and abduction. Axial rotation angles were calculated using a fixed set of Cardanic angles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 90 degrees of arm elevation, data from 10 shoulders of healthy subjects were used to set up normative values (99% confidence interval of mean 3D scapular attitudes) to compare with 3D scapular attitudes of symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders of SIS subjects. We analyzed the scapula behavior of subjects with SIS and classified them into subgroups based on scapular anterior tilting asymmetry. RESULTS: In flexion, almost half of the scapular total ROM was provided by anterior tilting (48.2%-51.3%), whereas in abduction, external rotation (40.3%-42.4%) was the main contributor. Scapular total ROM was higher in abduction than in flexion in all arm positions for both shoulder groups (P <.01). Also, 3D scapular attitude patterns of both shoulders of SIS subjects were different from those of healthy subjects. At 90 degrees, scapular asymmetry in anterior tilting allowed us to classify SIS subjects with respect to more (lead) or less (lag) scapular tilting in the affected side (P <.0001) or no difference (P =.11) between the sides (symmetrical). No significant differences (P >.05), except for a small 2 degrees difference in transverse rotation during arm flexion at 110 degrees (P =.002), were observed in 3D scapular attitudes and scapular total ROM between both shoulders of SIS subjects. Patterns of 3D scapular attitudes and scapular total ROM were significantly different between flexion and abduction arm positions (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of rotations and scapular total ROM differed according to the plane of arm elevation in SIS subjects. Group analyses revealed no differences in 3D scapular attitudes between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders of subjects with unilateral SIS. This could be caused by the use, in SIS subjects, of inappropriate neuromuscular strategies affecting both shoulders. However, individual analyses revealed scapular asymmetry in the sagittal plane, which suggests that SIS subjects with less anterior tilting in the symptomatic shoulder, as compared with the asymptomatic contralateral one, may be at high risk of developing chronic SIS. This last finding provides scientific evidence to focus rehabilitation protocols toward a restoration of anterior tilting.     

An in vivo study of the primary and coupled rotations of the thoracic spine

OBJECTIVE: To provide preliminary data on three-dimensional thoracic spine kinematics measured in vivo. DESIGN: This study measured the three planes of thoracic spine motion in normal subjects using an external measuring device. BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the primary and associated coupled rotations in the thoracic spine in vivo. Most knowledge of motion characteristics comes from in vitro studies which have limitations. There is a lack of agreement on the patterns of thoracic coupled motion especially that between lateral flexion and axial rotation. METHODS: Thoracic motion was examined in 60 normal subjects (30 males, 30 females) aged 18-24 years. The primary and coupled rotations of the thoracic regions T(1-4), T(4-8), T(8-12) were measured using a 3 SPACE Fastrak system. RESULTS: The three thoracic regions displayed the characteristic variations in range and distribution of primary rotations previously described. The pattern of coupled motion varied between subjects but an ipsilateral pattern predominated between lateral flexion and axial rotation in the middle and lower thoracic regions while the upper thoracic region was found to exhibit either a contralateral or ipsilateral pattern. Gender did not influence results. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of coupled motion in the thoracic spine demonstrated some variability between subjects in vivo. Lateral flexion and axial rotation were strongly coupled with overall, their relationship being predominantly ipsilateral.     

Effects of type and mode of propulsion on hand-cycling biomechanics in nondisabled subjects

This study investigated the range of motion (ROM) (in degrees) of the upper limb and trunk, forces (Newtons), two-dimensional fraction effective force (FEF(2D)) (in percent), and torque (Newton meters) during hand cycling. Seven nondisabled participants performed a 1 min exercise test at 70 rpm on a hand cycle (HC) fixed to an ergometer in synchronous (SC) mode versus asynchronous (AC) mode and in arm-power (AP) versus arm-trunk-power (ATP) type of propulsion. Higher (p < 0.001) flexion/extension of the trunk was found during ATP versus AP type and higher (p < 0.001) lateral flexion and rotation of the trunk in AC versus SC mode. The trunk ROM should explain the different force generation patterns observed in this investigation between AC and SC modes and AP and ATP types. However, kinetic results do not allow the most effective type or mode of propulsion (FEF(2D): from 72.9% to 89.3%) to be established. We conclude that trunk movement is an important parameter to consider in ergonomically optimizing hand cycling. Nevertheless, future studies in experienced HC users, especially with limited trunk function, should be performed.     

The effect of zaltoprofen on physiotherapy for limited shoulder movement in breast cancer patients: a single-blinded before-after trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of oral administration of zaltoprofen on shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises for breast cancer patients after surgery. DESIGN: Single-blind, before-after trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation facility in a Japanese university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty breast cancer patients (age range, 37-72y) with limited shoulder movement after surgery. INTERVENTION: Single session of physiotherapy (PT) with or without oral administration of zaltoprofen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Active shoulder ROM in flexion, abduction, and external rotation, as well as subjective pain score during shoulder movements. RESULTS: Active shoulder movements after ingesting a zaltoprofen tablet significantly improved in flexion, abduction (P<.001), and external rotation (P<.005). PT treatment improved flexion and abduction ROM in both the zaltoprofen and control groups and led to significantly larger flexion and abduction movements in the zaltoprofen group than in the control group (P<.01). There were no differences in pain scores between groups, but 2 patients who did not receive zaltoprofen complained of increased pain just after ROM exercises. CONCLUSION: Zaltoprofen taken orally before ROM exercises for painful shoulder after breast cancer surgery may enhance the effects of PT.     

Video based measurement of sagittal range of spinal motion in young and older adults

A revised model of skin marker placement with the two-dimensional (2D) PEAK Motus system was used to investigate the effect of aging on sagittal range of spinal motion. Twenty-four healthy young adults and twenty-two healthy older adults were videotaped while performing the movements of flexion and extension in each spinal region — cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Alternative movement tests that may allow a greater range of motion (ROM) for thoracic extension and lumbar flexion were also investigated. Older adults demonstrated significantly decreased flexion/extension ranges in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The movement of cat-stretch in the all-fours position allowed greater thoracic extension, and the movement of toe-touch in standing permitted greater lumbar flexion. This study provides reference data for sagittal ranges of spinal motion in healthy young and older adults as measured by a 2D imaged-based system. The sagittal model of skin marker placement used in this study can have a broader application for ROM measurement in the clinical setting using a digital camera and freely downloadable software.     

Cervical flexion: a study of dynamic surface electromyography and range of motion

BACKGROUND: In the comprehensive assessment of painful conditions, dynamic surface electromyography (sEMG) and range of motion (ROM) recordings can provide information regarding muscle spasm, antalgic postures, fear of pain (protective guarding), muscle injury, and disordered movement caused by pain. This study examines ROM and sEMG patterns observed during cervical flexion. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate 2 distinctive sEMG recruitment and dynamic ROM patterns observed during cervical flexion and return to mid-line. DESIGN: Single-subject design with independent measurement of dynamic ROM and sEMG. SETTING: Applied clinical setting. PARTICIPANTS: Two subjects with normal ROM and cervical muscles were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: One subject was studied with sEMG. looking at the cervical paraspinals and sternocleidomastoid muscles; the other subject was studied with an active ROM device. Three cervical movements were studied: lower cervical flexion, atlantoaxial (upper) cervical flexion, and a combination upper/lower cervical flexion. RESULTS: The active ROM device indicates larger movements (higher degrees of flexion) for the lower cervical flexion compared with upper flexion. The combined movement indicates a differential movement from 2 spinal segments. The sEMG recordings indicated differential recruitment patterns. The sternocleidomastoid recruits briskly during the flexion phase of the upper cervical flexion movement, whereas the cervical paraspinals recruit briskly during return to mid-line when the lower cervical flexion is used. The combined upper then lower cervical flexion movement recruits both sets of muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate 2 distinct movement patterns associated with upper versus lower cervical flexion and 2 distinct sEMG recruitment patterns. The study suggests that these 2 distinct movements involve 2 distinct cervical segments and are associated with recruitment of different muscle groups. Applied clinical research on the cervical spine should use sEMG recordings to assess both the upper and lower flexion movements as the standard for the study of cervical flexion.     

A normative study of cervical range of motion measures including the flexion–rotation test in asymptomatic children: side-to-side variability and pain provocation

Objectives: Cervical movement impairment has been identified as a core component of cervicogenic headache evaluation. However, normal range of motion values in children has been investigated rarely and no study has reported such values for the flexion–rotation test (FRT). The purpose of this study was to identify normal values and side-to-side variation for cervical spine range of motion (ROM) and the FRT, in asymptomatic children aged 6–12 years. Another important purpose was to identify the presence of pain during the FRT.

Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic children without history of neck pain or headache (26 females and 8 males, mean age 125.38 months [SD 13.14]) were evaluated. Cervical spine cardinal plane ROM and the FRT were evaluated by a single examiner using a cervical ROM device.

Results: Values for cardinal plane ROM measures are presented. No significant gender difference was found for any ROM measure. Mean difference in ROM for rotation, side flexion, and the FRT were less than one degree. However, intra-individual variation was greater, with lower bound scores of 9.32° for rotation, 5.30° for side flexion, and 10.89° for the FRT. Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that movement in the cardinal planes only explains 19% of the variance in the FRT. Pain scores reported following the FRT were less than 2/10.

Discussion: Children have consistently greater cervical spine ROM than adults. In children, side-to-side variation in rotation and side flexion ROM and range recorded during the FRT indicates that the clinician should be cautious when using range in one direction to determine impairment in another. Range recorded during the FRT is independent of cardinal movement variables, which further adds to the importance of the FRT, as a test that mainly evaluates range of movement of the upper cervical spine.     

不同检查者和不同检查工具对关节活动度检查的影响

目的观察不同检查者和不同检查工具对关节活动度(ROM)检查的影响。方法对104名健康青年人进行肩前屈、后伸、外展、内旋、外旋ROM测定,每位受试者接受2位检查者用通用量角器和方盘量角器检查,对比受试者主动活动与被动活动、左侧与右侧、同一检查者用通用量角器与方盘量角器的ROM值,以及不同检查者用通用量角器、方盘量角器的ROM值。结果无论用哪一种量角器,受试者主动ROM均小于被动ROM,有显著差异,但左右两侧ROM无显著差异。使用通用量角器和方盘量角器相比,肩前屈ROM无显著差异,肩后伸、外展、内旋、外旋ROM有显著差异。不同检查者用方盘量角器测量ROM值无显著差异,用通用量角器测量肩内旋ROM值无显著差异,肩前屈、后伸、内旋、外旋ROM值有显著差异。结论方盘量角器测量ROM的可重复性较高。为确保ROM检查结果的可比性,应由同一位检查者使用同一种检查工具对患者进行ROM检查。     

The flexion-rotation test and active cervical mobility--a comparative measurement study in cervicogenic headache

A single blind, age and gender matched, comparative measurement study was designed to assess active range of cervical motion and passive range of rotation in cervical flexion in asymptomatic and cervicogenic headache subjects. Both procedures are commonly used in clinical practice to evaluate patients with cervicogenic headache. We studied 20 women and eight men with side dominant cervicogenic headache (mean age 43.3 years) matched with 28 asymptomatic subjects. Two experienced manipulative therapists, who were blind to each other's measurement, noted active ranges of cervical motion and passive cervical rotation performed in the flexion-rotation test using the Cervical Range of Motion Device. Headache severity was assessed by a questionnaire. Additionally, one therapist prior to neck motion assessment determined the dominant symptomatic cervical motion segment. Active cervical motion in each direction was identical between the cervicogenic and control groups. In contrast, average rotation in flexion was 44 degrees to each side in the asymptomatic group and 28 degrees towards the headache side in the symptomatic group. C1-2 was deemed to be the dominant segmental level of headache origin in 24 of 28 subjects. In those 24 subjects range of rotation during the flexion-rotation test was inversely correlated to headache severity.     

单节段融合双节段置入物固定B型胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的生物力学研究

背景:胸腰椎爆裂骨折Dennis分型B型伤椎下位椎间盘尤明显M1jJWOW合节段,(伤椎与上位椎体)手术方式已有人提出,但由于伤椎本身的损伤,切除部分椎体后置入固定螺钉容易松动,甚至无法固定.而将固定螺钉置入伤椎下位椎体通过单节段融合双节段固定来稳定脊柱是否完全可行尚无定论.目的:从生物力学角度观察单节段融合双节段置入物固定B型胸腰椎爆裂骨折的可行性.设计、时间及地点:随机分组设计,体外对比观察,于2007-06/2008-06在南方医科大学生物力学实验室完成.材料:取7-9月龄新鲜冰冻家猪胸腰椎标本20具,其中10具为完整标本,10具为通过预损伤逐级撞击法制备的L1爆裂性骨折日型标本.方法:收集新鲜猪下,3-L3节段胸腰椎标本,建立胸腰椎爆裂性骨折B型模型.实验分为4组,完整标本组(n=10):新鲜猪T13-L3节段标本;失稳组(n=10):采用预损伤逐级撞击法制备的L,爆裂性骨折B型标本;切除椎间盘内固定组(n=10)稳组经生物力学检测后,切除伤椎上位椎间盘连同椎体上1/2,取骼骨植骨,使用山东威高骨科材料有限公司U-FRONT胸腰椎前路双棒系统侧前方固定T14-L2 椎体.切除两椎间盘内固定组(n=10):将切除一椎间盘内固定组检测后切除伤椎及下位椎间盘,骼骨植骨,用威高U-FRONT系统前侧方固定T14-L2椎体.植骨块长度比植骨区长1 mm.主要观察指标:在三维运动试验机上检测并记录加载力矩为10 N·m时各组T14-L2节段前屈、后伸、左右侧弯、轴向旋转的三维运动范围.结果:失稳组在伸屈、左右侧弯、轴向旋转方面表现出明显不稳,运动范围与完整标本组相比均明显增大(P＜0.01).切除一椎间盘内固定组及切除两椎间盘内固定组初始稳定性则有明显提高,伸屈、左右侧弯、轴向旋转运动范围与抶稳组相比亦明显减小(P＜0.05);两组标本伸屈、左右侧弯的运动范围与完整标本相比均明显减小,而轴向旋转运动范围明显增加(P＞0.05).切除一椎间盘内固定组轴向旋转小于节除两椎间盘内固定组(P＜0.05).结论:单节段融合双节段固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折B型,在前屈、左右侧弯方向均有良好的初始稳定性,左右旋转初始稳定性较的切除两椎间盘伤椎次全切植骨内明显提高.     

Movement of finger joints induced by synergistic wrist motion

BACKGROUND: An experiment has recently been conducted to evaluate and compare the differences in tendon excursions between the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis using three mobilization techniques. No previous studies deal with the total joint excursions with constant tendon length. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coordinated motion between the finger and wrist joints resulting from passive tension of the muscles while performing synergistic wrist motion. METHODS: The relative joint positions of the hand and wrist were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system with external retroreflective markers 2 mm in diameter placed on the dorsal surface of the hand. Fifty normal subjects, with a 1:1 gender ration, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, and with no previous history of upper extremity injury, were recruited for the experiment. FINDINGS: The relationships of synergistic motion between the wrist and finger joints due to passive tension in the muscles were approximately linear. The ranges of wrist motion averaged 60 degrees extension and 60 degrees flexion. Moving the wrist from flexion into extension induced synergistic finger joint motion as follows: the distal interphalangeal joint angles changed from an average of 12 degrees of flexion to 31 degrees; proximal-interphalangeal joint angles changed from 19 degrees to 70 degrees; and metacarpal phalangeal joints changed from 27 degrees to 63 degrees of flexion. INTERPRETATION: The relationships of synergistic motion between the wrist and finger joints were systematically documented. Such a relationship could be considered in optimizing the design of dynamic splints used for rehabilitation in post-surgical tendon repair, as well as providing useful information about potential diagnoses of problems with the integrity of the flexor and extensor mechanisms.     

Comparison of the Lumbar Flexion Angle and EMG Activity in Trunk Muscles in Individuals with and without Limited Hip Flexion Range of Motion during Visual Display Terminal Work with Cross-Legged Sitting

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the lumbar flexion angle and electromyography (EMG) measurements of trunk muscle activity in individuals with and without limited hip flexion range of motion (ROM) during visual display terminal (VDT) work with cross-legged sitting. [Subjects] The 15 participants included a control group with sufficient hip flexion ROM (n = 7) and an experimental group with limited hip flexion ROM (n = 8). [Methods] All subjects performed VDT work with cross-legged sitting. The lumbar flexion angle was measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system, and the trunk muscle activity was recorded using a surface EMG system during VDT work with cross-legged sitting. The differences in trunk flexion angle and trunk muscle activity between the two groups were analyzed using independent t-tests. [Results] The lumbar flexion angle was significantly greater in the experimental group than the control group, although trunk muscle activity did not differ between the two groups. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that limited hip flexion leads to greater lumbar flexion during cross-legged sitting.Key words: Cross-legged sitting, Electromyography, Lumbar flexion