Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the shape of the spinal column and the deflection in the segmental and body center of mass during quiet standing in elderly individuals. Sixteen elderly individuals were recruited in this study. Their thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles were measured using a spinal column-measuring instrument. Further, we determined the deflection characteristics of the segmental center of mass at the landing phase by using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. A significant positive correlation was observed between the thoracic kyphosis angle and the velocity of anteroposterior deflection in the center of mass of the whole body and head. These results suggest that increase in the thoracic kyphosis angle is associated with the deflection characteristics of the whole-body and head centers of mass during quiet standing.
