Análise computacional da biomecânica de movimentos da região toracolombar da coluna vertebral por meio de acelerômetro

Abstract

The joints of the human body provide to the individual, along with the musculoskeletal system, the displacement of the body or its parts. Therefore, understanding the biomechanical behavior of these movements is of fundamental importance for further study of physical phenomena arising from illnesses. Under this scope, this study aimed to analyse the biomechanical profile of the movements of the thoracolumbar spine of 11 subjects aged between 20 and 30 years old, five female and six male, without disfunction, previous disease or current from the topographic region of the spine. The absence of injuries or illnesses in the participants was determined by a written declaration made by the individual, by a physical examination performed by a neurosurgeon researcher and by means of an ultrasound examination of the thoracolumbar spine and abdominal muscles performed by a radiology specialist. Data collection took place using the accelerometer from an Iphone Apple smartphone, model 6S with the VibSensor – Accelerometer Recorder, Now Instruments and Software, Inc. application posicioned in the anterior region of the sternal bone and fixed through the use of specific support with elastic strap and the screen facing the outside. Then, each subject performed six cycles of previously defined thoracolumbar movements characterized by flexion, extension, right and left lateralization in orthostatic and sitting position and a sit-up movement. With that, the spinal kinematics data in its thoracolumbar segment were collected and the movements recorded through a video. After these procedures, the biomechanical data captured by the aplication were compiled for the definition of Acceleration versus Time graphs, and the behaviors of these functions were compared and analysed by means of statistical analysis coefficient of determination. With that, it was possible to trace the patterns of normality of the spinal movements of a healthy individual, and, consequently, the correlation of these parameters with those found in joints with pathological conditions can be performed at a later time. Thus, it is believed that diseases related to the spine can be quantitatively diagnosed, thus helping in the treatment, the rehabilitation process, and, mainly, in the prevention of joint diseases.