Development of Quantitative Diagnostic Technique for Low-Back Pain Patients via Three Dimensional Dynamic Motion Analysis

3차원 동작분석에 의한 요통환자의 정량적 진단기법 개발에 관한 연구

Dynamic motion difference between normal subjects and low-back pain (LBP) patients has been investigated in terms of kinematic variables such as range of motion, velocity and acceleration of the back and hip. Ten healthy subjects and ten LBP patients were recruited in this study. Electro-goniometer such as Lumbar Motion Monitor and Hip Monitor have been used for quantitative measurement of the trunk motion during repetitive flexion and extension for ten seconds. Results indicated that the velocity and acceleration of the back and hip were important parameters to quantitatively identify LBP patients. The consistency of cyclic trunk motion and the relationship between the back and hip were measured in terms of Variance Ratio and Phase Angle in order to accurately assess the motion characteristics of LBP patients. In particular, the hip motion has been proven to be a very important factor in describing the kinematics of damaged lower back. The functional evaluation technique suggested in this study will be a tool to assist physicians for an accurate diagnosis and timely rehabilitation along with current image diagnosis techniques.