The identification of age-related differences in kinetic gait parameters using principal component analysis.

Background. The age of onset of adult-like kinetic gait patterns is controversial. A potential cause of discrepant results between studies is the statistical analyses used to test for differences in kinetic parameters between age groups.

A validation of a posture matching approach for the determination of 3D cumulative back loads.

The purpose of this project was to investigate the amount of error in calculating cumulative lumbar spine kinetics using a posture matching approach (3DMatch) compared to a 3D coordinate electromagnetic tracking approach (FASTRAK). Six subjects were required to perform five repeats each of two symmetrical and two asymmetrical lifts while being simultaneously recorded from 4 camera views at viewing angles of 0 degrees , 45 degrees , 60 degrees and 90 degrees to the sagittal plane while wearing eight FASTRAK sensors to define an 8 segment rigid link model (RLM) of the head, arms, and trunk. Four hundred and eighty lifts (6 subjects x20 lifts x4 camera views) were analyzed using the 3DMatch posture-matching program to calculate the following cumulative loads at the L4/L5 joint: compression, anterior shear, posterior shear, reaction shear and extension moment.

Principal component analysis of lifting waveforms.

Background: One limiting factor in lifting research design has been the inability to effectively analyze waveform data, especially when differences in body mass, height, and load magnitude influence the derived kinetic variables. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the sensitivity of principal component analysis to quantify clinically relevant differences in kinetic lifting waveforms over three load magnitudes and between two separate populations.

Methods: Principal component analysis was applied to five kinetic lifting waveforms.

Differentiating lifting technique between those who develop low back pain and those who do not.

Background: No research to date has been able to discriminate differences in lifting technique for healthy individuals who eventually develop low back pain compared to those that do not while employed in a manual materials handling industry. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ability of principal component analysis to identify differences in lifting technique.

Methods: Principal component analysis was applied to sixteen kinematic and kinetic waveforms describing the two-dimensional motion of the trunk and load.