The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Non-invasive interventions top reduce low back dysfunction
Author:	Atalla, Nadi
View Online:	njit-etd2011-026 (xii, 103 pages ~ 4.6 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Biomedical Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Biomedical Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Chaudhry, Hans Raj (Committee chair) Findley, Thomas W. (Committee member) Van Buskirk, William C. (Committee member) Saigal, Sunil (Committee member) Roman, Max (Committee member)
Date:	2011-01
Keywords:	Low back dysfunction Automated Anatomic Torsion Monitor Hysteresis Loop Area
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the low back condition so that low back dysfunction can be identified and classified when measurements show a variance from the normal. The evaluation is done by using the hysteresis concept. In this study, subjects received two different types of treatment: massaging using a mechanical massager for ten minutes and manual massaging by a professional physician. Using the Automated Anatomic Torsion Monitor (A-ATM), the low back of the subject was evaluated before and after treatment. The change in Hysteresis Loop Area (HLA) was -12.5% for mechanical massaging and -15.7% for manual massaging. The negative sign indicates improvement due to the treatments. This study also theoretically measured the stiffness of the low back due to these treatments to see their effect before and after treatment. In addition, this research also provides mathematical modeling of the preventive measures for low back pain, such as finding the reactive force at the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) versus the inclination of the back from the vertical. Also, the ideal position of the cushion support while sitting on the chair is investigated.