Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Biomechanics

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Appropriate neuromuscular control and musculoskeletal responses of the thoracic and lumbar spine are essential to complete work and everyday tasks without injury. Labour injury statistics across Canada show low back pain (LBP) consistently represented the largest number of workplace related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) claims (~18%) and had a total costs over $2 billion/year in 2014. We know that twist in the spine is a significant risk factor for LBP development is suspected to still be associated with ~60% of low back injuries. My earlier research contributed to the evidence of posture-dependent injury mechanics, but how these present in-vivo is not fully understood. If you consider the incidence of LBP increases with age, and that the Statistics Canada estimate that by 2027 30% of the Canadian population will be over 55 years, we must improve the knowledge about spine function now. Fatigue has been shown to occur at different rates and magnitudes in low back muscles (differently for males and females), likely by interfering with the neuromuscular control of trunk movement. My program examines the structure, control, and function of the thoracic and lumbar spine, considers the effects of age, sex, and fatigue, to characterize the mechanisms underlying how we respond to a range of loading exposures. The foundational knowledge I generate deepens our understanding of the spine; my aim is to help reduce WRMSDs and costs to Canadians. The short term objectives of my NSERC funded research program are to quantify and evaluate the thoracic and lumbar spine neuromuscular control and musculoskeletal responses to exposures that have been identified as workplace risk factors, using motion analysis, electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound methods.My research has improved the understanding of in-vivo lumbar spine morphology and function in response to twist; characterization of the thoracic spine; movement strategy adaptations in complex loading and prolonged sitting.   The novel methods we developed/are developing to measure in-vivo spine segmental kinematics (including twist) and muscle blood perfusion respectively, have huge potential to rapidly increase our understanding of twist as a dangerous risk factor occurring in workplaces. The empirical data and understanding of spine function generated from my program can be incorporated into existing thoracic and lumbar spine models and can set parameters for in-vitro spine testing (to test injury mechanism theory). By reaching my research goals, developing thriving HQP and research team, and publishing in excellent journals, my research program will continue to make new discoveries and have a major impact on biomechanics and ergonomic fields. My program is the only one in Canada to focus on using these approaches on those objectives to identify and understand both the potential, and existing spine injury mechanisms.