Lumbar Spine Musculoskeletal Physiology and Biomechanics During Simulated Military Operations

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between 3D geometry of the lumbar spine, under different loading conditions and positions, and the pathophysiology of the intervertebral disc and lumbar trunk muscles. 30 Marines were scanned using upright MRI in a normal standing position, standing with body armor (11.3kg), sitting with body armor, and prone on elbows with body armor. Additionally, 28 of the Marines were scanned in a high-resolution 3T MRI scanner to quantify muscle quality and intervertebral disc degeneration. Significant decreases in lumbar lordosis were found through all levels except L1-L2 when sitting. When prone on elbows, the only increase in lumbar lordosis was found at L5-S1. An increase in fat fraction of the erector spinae from L4-S1 was found in subjects with a degenerated L5-S1 vertebra.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA618687

Entities

People

  • Ana E Rodriguez-Soto
  • David B Berry
  • Karen Kelly
  • Samuel R Ward
  • Sara Gombatto

Organizations

  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Armor
  • Biomechanics
  • Body Armor
  • Bone Diseases
  • Data Analysis
  • High Resolution
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Operations
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Pain
  • Pathology
  • Physiology
  • Rehabilitation
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Spine
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.