Trunk flexion measurement for the assessment of low back pain

  • Nadica S. Miljković Signals and systems department, University of Belgrade - School of Electrical Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, and Tecnalia Serbia Ltd., Vladetina 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Goran S. Bijelić Tecnalia Serbia Ltd., Vladetina 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Olivera C. Đorđević University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića 8, 11000, Belgrade and Rehabilitation clinic "Dr Miroslav Zotović", Sokobanjska 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Ljubica M. Konstantinović University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, and Rehabilitation clinic "Dr Miroslav Zotović", Sokobanjska 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Haritz R. Zabaleta Tecnalia, Health Unit, Mikeletegi Pasealekua, 1-3 Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzko,E-20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
  • Tomislav B. Šekara Signals and systems department, University of Belgrade - School of Electrical Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/vojtehg63-5930
Keywords: trunk flexion, low back pain, electromyography, assessment,

Abstract


Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most common incidences all over the world. For the assessment of LBP, descriptive medical scores are widely used. Nevertheless, there is a need for the quantitative assessment of LBP by appropriate physiological and kinematic measurements. Quantitative assessment methods are of interest since they might provide reliable and repeatable measures related to low back pain in both everyday clinical practice and at home or work. In this paper, we proposed simple measurements of the trunk angle and the activity of back muscles during simple flexion/relaxation task for an improved assessment of LBP (Low Back Pain). The application of the proposed instrumentation and signal processing is evaluated in three healthy subjects and in two individuals with LBP.The presented data analysis indicates that angle velocity might be a promising parameter in a combination with electromyography profiles for differentiation between healthy subjects and in individuals with LBP for improved medical diagnostics and assessment.

 

Author Biographies

Nadica S. Miljković, Signals and systems department, University of Belgrade - School of Electrical Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, and Tecnalia Serbia Ltd., Vladetina 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
PhD, Teaching and Research Assistant
Goran S. Bijelić, Tecnalia Serbia Ltd., Vladetina 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Mr
Olivera C. Đorđević, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića 8, 11000, Belgrade and Rehabilitation clinic "Dr Miroslav Zotović", Sokobanjska 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
MD, Mr
Ljubica M. Konstantinović, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, and Rehabilitation clinic "Dr Miroslav Zotović", Sokobanjska 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
prof., MD PhD
Haritz R. Zabaleta, Tecnalia, Health Unit, Mikeletegi Pasealekua, 1-3 Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzko,E-20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
M.Sc.
Tomislav B. Šekara, Signals and systems department, University of Belgrade - School of Electrical Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
prof., PhD
Published
2015/03/24
Issue
Vol. 63 No. 1 (2015): January – March
Section
Original Scientific Papers

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