Thoracic Spine Mobility and Kinematic Assessment
Summary
The thoracic spine, comprising twelve vertebrae between the cervical and lumbar regions, plays a pivotal role in both global spinal stability and the coordination of upper-body movements. Its natural kyphotic curvature allows efficient load distribution, yet excessive rigidity or hypermobility may predispose individuals to pain or functional impairment. Kinematic assessment of the thoracic region encompasses measurement of flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation, capturing both range of motion and movement quality. Techniques range from manual palpation and inclinometry to advanced sensor technologies and three-dimensional imaging. Reliable quantification of segmental mobility is crucial for diagnosis, rehabilitation planning and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. Recent advances have focused on improving measurement precision, reducing observer variability and integrating low-cost wearable devices into clinical practice, thereby enhancing the translation of biomechanical insights into patient care.
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Thoracic Spine Mobility and Kinematic Assessment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in thoracic spine mobility and kinematic assessment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Range of motion (ROM): The angular or linear extent through which a joint or spinal segment can move under voluntary effort.
Inertial measurement unit (IMU): An electronic device combining accelerometers, gyroscopes and sometimes magnetometers to record and compute movement kinematics.
Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC): A statistical index assessing the consistency or agreement of measurements made by the same or different observers.
Thoracic kyphosis: The normal convex curvature of the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane, influencing posture and load distribution.
Kinematics: The branch of biomechanics concerned with the geometry of motion, including displacement, velocity and acceleration, without reference to forces.
References
- Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability of the Lumbar-Locked Thoracic Rotation Test in Patients With Neck Pain. Cureus (2024).
- Validity of an inertial measurement unit for the assessment of range and quality of movement during head and thoracic spine movements. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice (2023).
- Analysis of the Active Measurement Systems of the Thoracic Range of Movements of the Spine: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Sensors (2022).
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