CONCLUSIONS

RESEARCH PURPOSEBackgroundThis study used Kinematic Data from 2 Subject Groups(Classified by Physicians as thosewith Symmetric Motion Patterns & Asymmetric Patterns exhibiting Neck Pain) to drive a Cervical Computer Model (See Figure 1).

HypothesisKinematic patterns for the symmetric subject group will yield differences in muscle activities (predicted by the compute model) as compared to the asymmetric/pain group.

Motivation To move toward an era of evidenced base medicine, it will be necessary to develop computer models that are more representative of the human body.

PurposeEvaluate Potential of Cervical Computer Model (AnyBody)to Assist in Correlating Objective Measures (Kinematic Data) & Clinical Findings (Physician Classification).

ANYBODY Cervical Model

Figure 1

Computer Model Analysis of Cervical Lateral Function Computer Model Analysis of Cervical Lateral Function for Symmetric and Asymmetric/Symptomatic Subject Groupsfor Symmetric and Asymmetric/Symptomatic Subject Groups

Emily Wandell, B.S. 1, Nicholas Beechnau, B.S. 1, William Smits, B.S. 1, Seungik Baek, Ph.D. 1, Jongeun Choi, Ph. D. 1, Mark de Zee, Ph.D.2,3, Tamara Reid Bush, Ph.D. 1

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

2 Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Dept. of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark3 AnyBody Research Group, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Aalborg University, Denmark

RESULTSPROCEDURE

No agreement, subjects not invited to participate in the Kinematic test

1. ScreeningTwo examiners screened subjects by performing a standard palpatory motion test of cervical lateral flexion.(See Figure 2)

Examiner AgreementSubjects Classified as:

1)Symmetric(10 Subjects)

2)Asymmetric/Pain (Self Marked Score of 4 or higher on a Pain Scale) (9 Subjects)

4. Output 3D Kinematic Data:

•Position of neck given by 3 Angles of Neck Motion over the data collection time.

(See Figure 4)

Figure 4

3. Kinematic Test/ Data Collection

•Subjects had markers placed on their head & sternum. •Examiners performed the same lateral motions used in screening•Kinematic data was collected using 5-camera Qualisys system (See Figure 3).

Figure 3

Figure 2

5) AnyBody Model

•3-D Movement Patterns for each subject was inputted into the Cervical Model (AnyBody) & used to drive the model.

•By solving the muscle recruitment problem, the model provided a % of max muscle force for muscle groups used in the activity

Figure 5(Left) Experimental Data Collection(Right) Model Driven with Actual Kinematic Data

Higher Activity for Symmetric Subjects might be Expected *Because as a Group had a Larger Range of Primary Motion*

Strong Trend: Symmetric Subjects had Higher Levels of Muscle Activity (See Table 1)

Statistics (t-test at 95% confidence level):•Trapezius Activity had Significant Difference (p=0.03) Between Groups

• Other Muscle Groups (Sternocleidomastoid, Longus Colli, Scalenus Medius, & Scalenus Posterior) had Low p Values & with a Larger Sample May Show Significant Differences

1) 1 Challenge: (in Biomechanical Assessments of humans) Large Range of Variability!

*Model can Provide Estimations for Mainstream Populations*

2) 2 Challenge: controlling specific parameters.

*Predictive Scenarios could be studied with a computer model to shed insight into how parameters affect the kinematics or the muscle forces associated with an activity*

Thus, a Model can Help Refine Studies

IMPLICATIONSA model increasingly more

representative of the human cervical region can be used in combination with biomedical/clinical assessments to facilitate the move toward evidence-based strategies!

RELEVANCE