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| Spinal Studies Index | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Effect of Spine Surgery on Energy Expenditure of Walking Spinal column degeneration results in structural deformity, neurologic compromise, and considerable pain; for many, these symptoms result in surgery. Surgery stabilizes and re-aligns the spine, thus reducing pain. Spinal deformity alters cranio-spino-pelvic orientation and leads to lower limb compensatory mechanisms to maintain an upright posture, which may be associated with increased energy expenditure. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of surgery on quality of life as it relates to the effort and efficiency of walking in patients with degenerative spine disease. More ... Principal Investigator: Steven Gard, PhD Co-Investigators: Funded by: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) The Role of the Spine in Human Walking The role that spinal motion plays during ambulation is not clearly understood. Little in vivo regional spinal motion data exists in the literature with regard to walking and most gait analysis models disregard the upper body altogether, or regard it as a single rigid structure. This study aims to increase understanding of the contribution of spinal motion during ambulation by improving the way spinal motion is modeled and measured. By increasing knowledge of the relationship between spine motion and restriction, and its impact on the rest of the musculoskeletal system in locomotion, a broader understanding regarding the implications of disease and treatment will be gained. More ... Principal Investigators: Steven Gard, PhD and Stephen Ondra, MD** Co-Investigators: ** Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Funded by: Medtronic Sofamor-Danek, Inc.; The Effect of Trunk Flexion on Balance and Energy Expenditure The goal of this project is to better understand the role of trunk posture on the ability to maintain balance. In upright posture, the spine is aligned so that the head and trunk fall directly over the pelvis. Changes in spinal alignment resulting from spinal pathologies may displace the trunk center of mass (TCOM) with respect to the body’s base of support. Sufficient displacement of the TCOM may adversely affect the body’s ability to maintain upright posture and balance. Compensatory mechanisms, which are metabolically expensive, may then be necessary to restore balance. In order to improve our understanding of how sagittal malalignment of the spine affects stability, this study examined how trunk-flexed postures affect balance, dynamics, and energetics in able bodied individuals during standing and walking. More ...Principal Investigators: Steven Gard, PhD and Stephen Ondra, MD** Co-Investigator: ** Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Funded by: Medtronic Sofamor-Danek, Inc.; | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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