The effect of moving the patient's centre of gravity from one extreme to the other, where the weight is entirely supported on one foot at either extreme, was investigated in 33 patients attending for surface topography measurements with the Quantec Spinal Measurement System. Average changes of about 2º were seen in the measured curvature of the lower spine line and pelvic tilt, but there was considerable variation between individual patients. When such extremes of stance were included, the reproducibility of measurements of the curvature of the lower spine, pelvic tilt and vertical alignment was poorer, but not to the degree that a significant improvement in reproducibility would be expected if the patient's centre of gravity was closely controlled with, for example, a force platform.
Macdonald AM, Griffiths CJ, McArdle FJ, Gibson MJ. The effect of posture on quantec measurements. In: Grivas T.B., editor. Research into Spinal Deformities 4. Amsterdam: IOS Press 2003; 190-3.
Mr. Clive Griffiths, Freeman Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: +44 (0)191-223-6161.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
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