Quantitative assessment of the control capability of the trunk muscles during oscillatory bending motion under a new experimental protocol.

OBJECTIVE: A new quantitative technique for measuring the trunk control capability/coordination was to be developed in this study. DESIGN: Fitts' experimental paradigm was employed to quantify the information processing capacity (bits/s) of the trunk as well as dynamic motor performance such as velocity and acceleration during flexion and extension. BACKGROUND: The quantification of functional capability of the trunk such as range of motion, strength, and endurance have been used to evaluate low back pain patient.