Geometric and Biomechanical Postural Characterisation of the Human Trunk

Postural and biomechanical analysis of the spine and trunk require an accurate quantification of spine location with regard to the gravity line. Several studies [1, 2] used force plate system in order to estimate the center of gravity projection but very few addressed the location of the gravity line related to the spine configuration. Duval Beaupere & Al. [3] has assessed the center of gravity using a barycentremetric study and used X-rays for indirect estimation of this center location with regard to the spine in upright position. The position of center of weight supported by each vertebra could be placed on these X-rays. However, these studies need two different investigations and the data obtained are interpreted together with few approximations.