PATTERNS OF SPINAL MOTION DURING WALKING

We present the results of a study in which we investigated the pattern s of movement of the lower thoracic and lumbar spinal segments and the pelvis in subjects walking at a self-selected speed. Our subjects wer e 108 healthy adults aged from 20 to 82 years and were equally divided with respect to gender. Measurements were carried out using a video-b ased system by which the trunk was partitioned into segments and the m ovements of these segments about three orthogonal axes recorded. We fo und consistent patterns within and between segments and movements, wit h apparent consequential trunk motion following pelvic displacements. This suggests that the spinal movements associated with walking are li nked to the primary motions of the pelvis and the lower limbs.