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Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: criterion concurrent validity of classic and novel measurements

spinal mobility

Goal of the Study?

The goal of this study [1.Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: criterion concurrent validity of classic and novel measurements] is to evaluate spine range of motion (ROM) measured by tri-axial accelerometers compared to both current clinical tests and radiography in radiographic Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients. 

 

Why are they doing this study?

AxSpa is a chronic and progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. To measure progression and plan treatment, there is a need to measure indicators for spinal mobility in forward and lateral bending. Currently, this is often done using a clinical tape measure. However, research has illustrated that there is poor validity using a tape measure to assess spine mobility compared to the images and RoM from radiographs. However, with the risks associated with repeated exposure to radiation for radiographs, and the lack of validity in using clinical tape measures, there is a need for better alternatives. To that end, research has illustrated the value of devices that incorporate strain gauges and/or accelerometers to measure spinal curvature.

spinal mobility

A novel measuring approach to minimize radiation exposure.

 

What was done?

This study recruited fifteen radiographic Spondyloarthritis patients. First, each participant had lateral and posterior-anterior radiographs taken standing upright. Following this, each participant completed three RoM trials in forward flexion, right lateral and left lateral bending. In total, five lumbar radiographs were taken. For each participant, three measurements were collected: tape, synchronized radiograph and accelerometer measurements at the end range of forward and bilateral lateral flexion. The researchers then used statistical software to determine reliability.

 

What did they find?

The findings of this research support using accelerometers as a replacement for sagittal spine mobility, but not lateral. The accelerometer measure of the sagittal spine had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measure than all tape measures. They argue that this approach can overcome some of the inherent challenges with tape, such as skin stretching. In lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion tape (LSFT) correlated stronger than the accelerometer method. Furthermore, an accelerometer-derived measure of frontal plane spine mobility underestimated lateral bend angles from the radiographs. It demonstrated a moderate correlation to the radiographic gold standard lower than either the LSFT or DT.

 

Why do these findings matter?

The use of accelerometers can limit patients’ exposure to ionizing radiation through repeated radiographs in the AxSpA population. Improved ability to measure spinal changes is important to evaluating and managing disease progression and treatment. 

 

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  1. […] Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Goal of the Study? The goal of this study [1.Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: criterion concurrent validity of classic and novel measurements] is to evaluate spine range of motion (ROM) measured by tri-axial accelerometers compared to both current clinical tests and radiography in radiographic Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients. Why are they doing this study? AxSpa is a chronic and progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. To measure progression and plan treatment, there is a need to measure indicators for spinal mobility in forward and lateral bending. Currently, this is often done using a clinical tape measure. However, research has illustrated that there is poor validity using a tape measure to assess spine mobility compared to the images and RoM from radiographs. […]

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