Idiopathic Scoliosis: Movement and Posture Analysis
This observational pilot study aims to recruit a cohort of 45 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients over one year across three collaborating centers to investigate back movement and posture during activities of daily living. Inclusion criteria comprise females ages 10-16 with clear AIS diagnosis per SRS criteria, all curve types, and Risser sign 0-4. Exclusion criteria include non-idiopathic scoliosis etiologies or conditions affecting movement/posture. We will collect back surface topography data using a Microsoft Kinect system we developed and simultaneously capture body segment motions and forces using standardized optoelectronic systems and force plates present at each center. A validated back and lower limb marker set, 3D printed for reliability, will be utilized along with a clinical gait analysis protocol per CMAS, GCMAS and ESMAC guidelines. The dynamical systems approach will further scrutinize movement variability beyond commercial software gait parameter outputs. We will examine protocol reliability and validity across centers with standard statistics. To better define transverse plane axial rotation given difficulties with spinous process surface markers, we have validated an alternative approach utilizing a 3D printed marker cluster affixed to a semi-rigid base that can be positioned on vertebral spinous processes. With multiple vertebral-level clusters, this enables a more precise assessment of static and dynamic spinal posture.
Advancements in data analysis and visualisation techniques to support multiple single-subject analyses: an assessment of movement coordination and coordination variability.
Needham R, Naemi R, Chockalingam N. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2021 Jun 28;280:146-149. doi: 10.3233/SHTI210454.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Back Surface Topography: Technologies, Techniques and Clinical Utility.
Mehta B, Chockalingam N, Shannon T, Jevtic N, Lazic F, Jasani V, Eddison N, Healy A, Needham R. 2023; 23(20):8485. Sensors
A comparison of two multi-segment spine models to assess movement during gait in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Robert A. Needham, Aoife Healy, Filip Lazic, Nikola Jevtic and Nachiappan Chockalingam (2023) Presented to presented at ISB congress, Fuokuoka, Japan