The use of characteristics and indicators of body construction as predictors in the identification of the angle values of the physiological curves of the spine in sequential objective testing - mathematical models

Abstract

Introduction: The physiological curvatures of the spine in the sagittal plane are constantly evolving along with changes in the structure and proportions of the body and physical activity. The aim of this study is to identify and assess the strength of the influence of body features and indices on the values of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles with the use of a mathematical model. In the years 2006–2016, 1,314 female students aged ( ± SD 19.7 ± 0.4) (min.–max. 18.1–22.5) were examined. Materials and Methods. The following measurements were made: body mass (BM), body height (BH), waist circumference (WC), hips circumference (HC), body fat (%Fat), total body water (%TBW), the value of thoracic kyphosis angles (THKA) and lumbar lordosis angles (LLA). The body mass index (BMI), the body adiposity index (BAI), the waist–hip ratio (WHR) and the waist circumference (WC) were analyzed. Results: WC is the predictor for changes in the value of the angle of thoracic kyphosis, and the BAI is a predictor for changes in the value of angle of lumbar lordosis. Conclusion: The presented mathematical models are a method of non-invasive control of the values of the angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis and support the monitoring of the process of compensation, correction and therapy.