A model-based approach for estimation of changes in lumbar segmental kinematics associated with alterations in trunk muscle forces

Iman Shojaei, Navid Arjmand, Judith R. Meakin, Babak Bazrgari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The kinematics information from imaging, if combined with optimization-based biomechanical models, may provide a unique platform for personalized assessment of trunk muscle forces (TMFs). Such a method, however, is feasible only if differences in lumbar spine kinematics due to differences in TMFs can be captured by the current imaging techniques. A finite element model of the spine within an optimization procedure was used to estimate segmental kinematics of lumbar spine associated with five different sets of TMFs. Each set of TMFs was associated with a hypothetical trunk neuromuscular strategy that optimized one aspect of lower back biomechanics. For each set of TMFs, the segmental kinematics of lumbar spine was estimated for a single static trunk flexed posture involving, respectively, 40° and 10° of thoracic and pelvic rotations. Minimum changes in the angular and translational deformations of a motion segment with alterations in TMFs ranged from 0° to 0.7° and 0 mm to 0.04 mm, respectively. Maximum changes in the angular and translational deformations of a motion segment with alterations in TMFs ranged from 2.4° to 7.6° and 0.11 mm to 0.39 mm, respectively. The differences in kinematics of lumbar segments between each combination of two sets of TMFs in 97% of cases for angular deformation and 55% of cases for translational deformation were within the reported accuracy of current imaging techniques. Therefore, it might be possible to use image-based kinematics of lumbar segments along with computational modeling for personalized assessment of TMFs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)82-87
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Biomechanics
Volume70
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 21 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Finite element analysis
  • Image-based modeling
  • Lumbar segmental kinematics
  • Optimization procedures
  • Trunk muscle forces
  • Trunk neuromuscular strategies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Rehabilitation
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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