Relationship Between Lumbar Motor Control Ability and Spinal Curvature in Elderly Individuals

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between spine curvature and the movement pattern/motor control ability of the lumbar and hip joints during prone hip extension in elderly individuals. The participants were 14 elderly people who attended a community health class. We measured the motion angle, motion ratio (movement pattern), and motor control ability of the lumbar and hip joints during prone hip extension. In addition, the lumbar lordosis angle and thoracic kyphosis angle were measured in the standing position. There was no correlation between the spinal curvature in the standing position and the lumbar/hip joint movement pattern and motor control ability during prone hip extension. When evaluating the lumbar spine, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive evaluation by interpreting static evaluations such as spinal alignment or dynamic evaluations such as movement patterns and motor control abilities.