Patterns of spinal motion during walking

We present the results of a study in which we investigated the patterns of movement of the lower thoracic and lumbar spinal segments and the pelvis in subjects walking at a self-selected speed. Our subjects were 108 healthy adults aged from 20 to 82 years and were equally divided with respect to gender. Measurements were carried out using a video-based system by which the trunk was partitioned into segments and the movements of these segments about three orthogonal axes recorded. We found consistent patterns within and between segments and movements, with apparent consequential trunk motion following pelvic displacements. This suggests that the spinal movements associated with walking are linked to the primary motions of the pelvis and the lower limbs.