Characteristics of the nociceptive withdrawal response elicited under aware and unaware conditions

BackgroundNociceptive withdrawal reflexes (NWR) are subject to supraspinal modulation. Therefore, awareness about a noxious stimulation may affect its characteristics. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of different degrees of awareness on the NWR.MethodEight subjects performed back and forth hand movements from a common starting point towards four visual targets during which NWR was evoked when subjects were either unaware or aware of a noxious stimulation (unaware-NWR and aware-NWR). For the comparison between the NWR under both conditions, onset latencies and kinematic variables were computed respectively from the recorded Biceps Brachii EMG and from the spatial coordinates of hand reflective markers.ResultsThe onset latency of unaware-NWR (mean ± SD 73.9 ± 13 ms) was significantly shorter than that of the aware-NWR (91.1 ± 27 ms, p < 0.05). The total duration of the muscular activation was shorter in unaware-NWR than in aware-NWR. The slopes of the tangential velocity–time curves were steeper for unaware-NWR than for aware-NWR (p = 0.057).ConclusionsThe results suggest that supraspinal regulation of NWR under different degrees of awareness involves the re-parameterization of selected spatiotemporal aspects of a pre-structured motor response.     

Comparaison entre OSEM-3D et rétroprojection filtrée pour les images traitées par SISCOM dans l’épilepsie temporale

IntroductionWhen ictal and interictal brain SPECT are reconstructed with filtered backprojection (FBP), the noise level of subtraction images is frequently high and requires the use of thresholding methods. The aim of this study was to compare the subtraction images for cerebral SPECT reconstructed either with FBP or with a 3D iterative reconstruction method (OSEM-3D).Material and methodsAfter optimisation of the reconstruction parameters on phantom, the subtraction SPECT images, which were obtained with FBP or with OSEM-3D and coregistered with MRI images, were analyzed in 15 patients with refractory temporal epilepsy.ResultsOn phantom and with the constrain of high enough spatial resolution (full width at half of maximum for a punctual source less than or equal to 11 mm) were reached using: (i) a Butterworth filter with a cut-off frequency of 0.4 Nyquist at order 6 for FBP and (ii) five iterations, 16 subsets and a 9 mm gaussian filter for OSEM-3D. On the subtraction images, which were obtained with these optimal parameters, the temporal foci from patients were smaller with OSEM-3D than with FBP (11 ± 6 cm³ versus 17 ± 10 cm³, P = 0.02), mean voxel activities were equivalent between the two methods within temporal foci (6.30 ± 3.13 counts versus 6.34 ± 4.93 counts) but these activities were dramatically reduced by OSEM-3D within background regions (0.02 ± 0.02 counts versus 0.19 ± 0.12 counts, P < 0.001).ConclusionFor the ictal–interictal subtraction SPECT images, which are obtained in patients with refractory temporal epilepsy, the use of an optimized OSEM-3D method leads to dramatically reduce the volume of temporal foci, as well as the background noise level, two properties that are likely to facilitate the detection and localisation of epilepsy foci.     

Reference database of the gait cycle for young healthy Tunisian adults

BackgroundQuantified gait analysis is a rising technology used increasingly to assess motor disorders. Normal reference data are required in order to evaluate patients, but there are no reference data available for the Tunisian healthy population.AimTo assess the features of normal Tunisian gait pattern, and examine the intrinsic reliability of spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters within a new specific reference database.MethodsEighteen healthy active-young adults (age: 23.30 ± 2.54 years, height: 1.78 ± 0.04 m and, weight: 70.00 ± 4.80 kg) have participated to five trials of step gait where the dominant lower limb were recorded. Two over the five trials were randomly selected to be further analyzed. Twenty-three spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters determined from 3-dimensional gait analysis. The intrinsic reliability was examined for each variable and our results were compared with those available in the literature.ResultsTwelve over 23 parameters have an excellent intrinsic reliability (P > 0.05, ICC > 0.9 and SEM < 5% of the grand mean). There are similarities with other studies (P < 0.05) but we noticed the existence of some specificity (the height of hip extension peak and the low cadence of gait) that could characterize the Tunisian population.ConclusionA specific reference database of the gait cycle has been established for healthy Tunisian active-young adults and excellent inter-trial reliability may be observed for different variables.     

Effects of medially posted insoles on foot and lower limb mechanics across walking and running in overpronating men

Anti-pronation orthoses, like medially posted insoles (MPI), have traditionally been used to treat various of lower limb problems. Yet, we know surprisingly little about their effects on overall foot motion and lower limb mechanics across walking and running, which represent highly different loading conditions. To address this issue, multi-segment foot and lower limb mechanics was examined among 11 overpronating men with normal (NORM) and MPI insoles during walking (self-selected speed 1.70 ± 0.19 m/s vs 1.72 ± 0.20 m/s, respectively) and running (4.04 ± 0.17 m/s vs 4.10 ± 0.13 m/s, respectively). The kinematic results showed that MPI reduced the peak forefoot eversion movement in respect to both hindfoot and tibia across walking and running when compared to NORM (p < 0.05–0.01). No differences were found in hindfoot eversion between conditions. The kinetic results showed no insole effects in walking, but during running MPI shifted center of pressure medially under the foot (p < 0.01) leading to an increase in frontal plane moments at the hip (p < 0.05) and knee (p < 0.05) joints and a reduction at the ankle joint (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that MPI primarily controlled the forefoot motion across walking and running. While kinetic response to MPI was more pronounced in running than walking, kinematic effects were essentially similar across both modes. This suggests that despite higher loads placed upon lower limb during running, there is no need to have a stiffer insoles to achieve similar reduction in the forefoot motion than in walking.     

Évaluation de la fonction ventriculaire gauche par l’utilisation d’une caméra à semi-conducteur Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) : impact de l’échantillonnage temporel (8 vs 16 intervalles)

BackgroundNew CZT cameras provide an increased spatial resolution and sensitivity. The tomographic acquisition “in list mode” allows the evaluation of the left ventricular function using 8–16 intervals per cycle with an increased spatial resolution. However, the impact of temporal sampling on evaluation of the contractile function remains uncertain.Method^99mTc-sestamibi SPECT studies were acquired in 99 consecutive patients (70 men, 29 women) using an ultrafast CZT Camera (D-Spectrum, Spectrum Dynamics) and processed using both 8- and 16-interval (int). All patients underwent a stress (2 MBq/kg)-rest (6 MBq/kg) single day (stop condition: 700 KCTS within a myocardial VOI). Left ventricular function was assessed using QGS^®. Perfusion was analyzed using QPS^® and quantified using Summed Stress Score (SSS), Summed Rest Score (SRS) and Summed Difference Score (SDS) (17 segments model) and the extent of perfusion defects (% of LV).ResultsEight intervals gating overestimated the end-systolic volumes (ESV) and underestimated the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to 16 intervals (respectively for eight and 16 intervals: at rest [VTS: 45 ± 25 mL vs 41 ± 24 mL, P < 0.0001, LVEF: 53 ± 10% vs 59 ± 10%, P < 0.0001], and post-stress [VTS: 43 ± 24. mL vs 39 ± 24 mL, P < 0.0001; LVEF: 58 ± 10% vs 61 ± 11%, P < 0.0001]). However, it was not found significant differences between end diastolic volumes (EDV) (at rest: EDV: 98 ± 33 mL vs 97 ± 33 mL, P = NS; and post-stress: EDV: 98 ± 33 ml vs 99 ± 34 mL, P = NS). Parameters of left ventricular function were consistent between eight and 16 intervals (EDV: CCC = 0.99, ESV: CCC = 0.98, LVEF: CCC = 0.92, P < 0.0001). Correlation could not be evidenced between the extent of perfusion defect and the difference between eight and 16 intervals for the different parameters of left ventricular function both at rest and post-stress.ConclusionIn our study, comparison between eight and 16 intervals showed an overestimation of the ESV and an underestimation of LVEF, without correlation with perfusion abnormalities. The estimation of LVEF on CZT camera should take into account the chosen temporal sampling.     

Effect of functional electrical stimulation on the effort and walking speed,surface electromyography activity,and metabolic responses in stroke subjects

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with conventional rehabilitation program on the effort and speed of walking, the surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity and metabolic responses in the management of drop foot in stroke subjects.MethodsFifteen patients with a drop foot resulting from stroke at least 3 months prior to the start of the trial took part in this study. All subjects were treated 1 h a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks, including conventional stroke rehabilitation program and received 30 min of FES to the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the paretic leg in clinical settings. Baseline and post-treatment measurements were made for temporal and spectral EMG parameters of TA muscle, walking speed, the effort of walking as measured by physiological cost index (PCI) and metabolic responses.ResultsThe experimental results showed a significant improvement in mean-absolute-value (21.7%), root-mean-square (66.3%) and median frequency (10.6%) of TA muscle EMG signal, which reflects increased muscle strength. Mean increase in walking speed was 38.7%, and a reduction in PCI of 34.6% between the beginning and at end of the trial. Improvements were also found in cardiorespiratory responses with reduction in oxygen consumption (24.3%), carbon dioxide production (19.9%), heart rate (7.8%) and energy cost (22.5%) while walking with FES device.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the FES may be a useful therapeutic tool combined with conventional rehabilitation program to improve the muscle strength, walking ability and metabolic responses in the management of drop foot with stroke patients.     

Mandibular kinematics and masticatory muscles EMG in patients with short lasting TMD of mild-moderate severity

Mandibular kinematic and standardized surface electromyography (sEMG) characteristics of masticatory muscles of subjects with short lasting TMD of mild-moderate severity were examined.Volunteers were submitted to clinical examination and questionnaire of severity. Ten subjects with TMD (age 27.3 years, SD 7.8) and 10 control subjects without TMD, matched by age, were selected.Mandibular movements were recorded during free maximum mouth opening and closing (O–C) and unilateral, left and right, gum chewing. sEMG of the masseter and temporal muscles was performed during maximum teeth clenching either on cotton rolls or in intercuspal position, and during gum chewing. sEMG indices were obtained. Subjects with TMD, relative to control subjects, had lower relative mandibular rotation at the end of mouth opening, larger mean number of intersection between interincisal O–C paths during mastication and smaller asymmetry between working and balancing side, with participation beyond the expected of the contralateral muscles (P < 0.05, t-test). Overall, TMD subjects showed similarities with the control subjects in several kinematic parameters and the EMG indices of the static test, although some changes in the mastication were observed.     

The effects of wrist motion and hand orientation on muscle forces: A physiologic wrist simulator study

Although the orientations of the hand and forearm vary for different wrist rehabilitation protocols, their effect on muscle forces has not been quantified. Physiologic simulators enable a biomechanical evaluation of the joint by recreating functional motions in cadaveric specimens. Control strategies used to actuate joints in physiologic simulators usually employ position or force feedback alone to achieve optimum load distribution across the muscles. After successful tests on a phantom limb, unique combinations of position and force feedback – hybrid control and cascade control – were used to simulate multiple cyclic wrist motions of flexion-extension, radioulnar deviation, dart thrower’s motion, and circumduction using six muscles in ten cadaveric specimens. Low kinematic errors and coefficients of variation of muscle forces were observed for planar and complex wrist motions using both novel control strategies. The effect of gravity was most pronounced when the hand was in the horizontal orientation, resulting in higher extensor forces (p < 0.017) and higher out-of-plane kinematic errors (p < 0.007), as compared to the vertically upward or downward orientations. Muscle forces were also affected by the direction of rotation during circumduction. The peak force of flexor carpi radialis was higher in clockwise circumduction (p = 0.017), while that of flexor carpi ulnaris was higher in anticlockwise circumduction (p = 0.013). Thus, the physiologic wrist simulator accurately replicated cyclic planar and complex motions in cadaveric specimens. Moreover, the dependence of muscle forces on the hand orientation and the direction of circumduction could be vital in the specification of such parameters during wrist rehabilitation.     

Impact of the method of exposure in total hip arthroplasty on the variability of gait in the first 6 months of the postoperative period

Introduction, objectiveGait analysis has provided important information about the variability of gait for patients prior to and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective of this research was to clarify how the method of exposure in total hip arthroplasty affects the variability of gait.Materials and methodGait analysis was performed at 0.8 m/s, 1.0 m/s, and 1.2 m/s on 25 patients with direct-lateral exposure (DL), 22 with antero-lateral exposure (AL) and 25 with posterior exposure (P) during total hip arthroplasty. The control group was represented by 45 healthy subjects of identical age. Gait analysis was performed pre-operatively and 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Gait parameter variability was characterized by the coefficient of variance (CV) of spatial–temporal parameters and by the mean coefficient of variance (MeanCV) of angular parameters.ResultsThe variability of gait tends to reach control values during the first 6 months of the postoperative period in all three patient groups. Six months after THA, in patients operated with DL and AL exposure the variability of gait differs significantly from control values; however, in patients operated with P exposure, the variability of spatial–temporal and angular parameters – except the rotation of pelvis – was similar to that of controls.Discussion, conclusionThe type of surgical technique significantly influences the variability of gait. Difference in the variability of angular parameters predicts gait instability and increased risk of falling after THA without the joint capsule preserved. Joint capsule preservation ensures a recovery of gait variability. It should be taken into account when compiling rehabilitation protocols. Differences related to the method of exposure should be considered when abandoning therapeutic aids.     

Mechanical stress regulates osteogenic differentiation and RANKL/OPG ratio in periodontal ligament stem cells by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BackgroundThe balance between osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity is critical in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in maintaining bone homeostasis, and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are tissue-specific MSCs in the periodontal ligament. However, whether PDLSCs are required for periodontal tissue remodeling during OTM is not fully understood.MethodsHere, we used PDGFRα and Nestin to trace PDLSCs during OTM in rats. We treat human PDLSCs with 100 kpa static pressure for 1 h or 12 h in vitro, and examined the phenotypic changes and expression of RANKL and OPG in these cells.ResultsIn vivo, we found that positive signals of PDGFRα and Nestin in the PDL gradually increased and then decreased on the pressure side to which pressure was applied. In vitro, the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was significantly increased after force treatment for 1 h relative to 12 h. In contrast, the expression ratio of RANKL/OPG was reduced at 1 h and significantly increased at 12 h. Furthermore, we found that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was dynamically activated in the PDL and in PDLSCs after mechanical stimulation. Importantly, the canonical Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 blocked the osteogenesis effect and rescued the ratio of RANKL/OPG in PDLSCs under force treatment for 1 h.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that PDLSCs participate in OTM and that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway maintains bone homeostasis during tooth movement by regulating the balance between osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity.General significanceWe describe a novel potential mechanism related to tooth movement.     

Flexibilidad psicológica,burnout y satisfacción vital en profesionales que trabajan con personas afectadas de demencia

IntroductionThe clinical complexity of dementia, its physical burden, and the potential assaults associated with psychological and behavioral symptoms, could put healthcare workers working with dementia at high risk of burnout. Certain attitudes toward dementia and certain coping styles may be a protective factor against the stress experienced by these workers. On the other hand, it has been shown that a coping style based on psychological flexibility can prevent the development of burnout in the workplace. The present study analyzes the relationship between levels of burnout, psychological flexibility, attitudes towards dementia and life satisfaction in a sample of healthcare workers who work with people affected by dementia.MethodsA sample of 105 healthcare workers from the Ricard Fortuny Social Hospital was recruited (day hospital, hospitalization unit, and nursing home), and psychological flexibility (AAQII), burnout levels (MBI), life satisfaction (SWL), anxiety (STAI-R), and attitudes towards dementia (EAD) were assessed.ResultsPsychological inflexiblility showed a positive relationship with 2 dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion [r = .342, P < .01]; depersonalization [r = .328, P < .01]), and with anxiety (r = .723, P < .01), and also showed a negative relation with life satisfaction (r = ?.485, P < .01) and affect attitude (r = ?.209); p < .05). It was also found a negative relation between rejection attitude with emotional exhaustion (r = ?.328, P < .01) and with depersonalization (r = ?.328; P < .01).ConclusionsThose participants with greater psychological flexibility, in addition to feel more satisfaction with life, were found to be less likely to feel emotionally exhausted, to depersonalize patients with dementia, and felt more affection for them. On the other hand, no relationship was found between Burnout levels and the cognitive dimension of Attitudes towards dementia (the worker's knowledge of dementia). The results have significant implications regarding the type of training that is given to healthcare workers who work with people affected by dementia. Psychoeducational interventions promoting the psychological flexibility could help to reduce the risk of burnout in healthcare workers who work with dementia.     

The surface electromyographic evaluation of the Functional Reach in elderly subjects

This study proposes a comprehensive assessment of myoelectric activity of the main muscles involved in the Functional Reach (FR) test, in 24 elderly subjects. A specific protocol for the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal acquisition during FR-test was developed. Results show that anterior muscles activate following a caudo-cranial order. Tibialis Anterior (TA) is the first to be activated (−18.0 ± 16.3% of the FR-period), together with Rectus Femoris (−10.4 ± 17.9%). Then, Rectus Abdominis (19.7 ± 24.7%) and Sternocleidomastoideus (19.9 ± 15.6%) activate after the FR-start. Hamstrings, Soleus, and L4-level Erectores Spinae (posterior muscles) activate after the FR-start in this order (11.4 ± 16.8%, 17.7 ± 16.6%, and 35.2 ± 29.0%, respectively) and remain active until the movement end. The analysis of the kinematic strategies adopted by subjects revealed an association between TA-activation patterns and two kinematic strategies (hip/mixed strategy), quantified by an increase (p < 0.05) of TA-activity duration in subjects adopting the hip strategy (89.9 ± 34.5) vs. subjects adopting the mixed strategy (27.0 ± 16.8). This suggests that TA sEMG activity could be able to discriminate among kinematic strategies, providing different information on balance control. Thus, the present analysis represents the first attempt to quantify the sEMG activity during FR-test in elderly subjects, providing an early contribution in building a reference frame for balance assessment in clinical context.     

Investigating the spatial accuracy of CBCT-guided cranial radiosurgery: A phantom end-to-end test study

PurposeTo evaluate the spatial accuracy of a frameless cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided cranial radiosurgery (SRS) using an end-to-end (E2E) phantom test methodology.Methods and materialsFive clinical SRS plans were mapped to an acrylic phantom containing a radiochromic film. The resulting phantom-based plans (E2E plans) were delivered four times. The phantom was setup on the treatment table with intentional misalignments, and CBCT-imaging was used to align it prior to E2E plan delivery. Comparisons (global gamma analysis) of the planned and delivered dose to the film were performed using a commercial triple-channel film dosimetry software. The necessary distance-to-agreement to achieve a 95% (DTA95) gamma passing rate for a fixed 3% dose difference provided an estimate of the spatial accuracy of CBCT-guided SRS. Systematic (∑) and random (σ) error components, as well as 95% confidence levels were derived for the DTA95 metric.ResultsThe overall systematic spatial accuracy averaged over all tests was 1.4 mm (SD: 0.2 mm), with a corresponding 95% confidence level of 1.8 mm. The systematic (Σ) and random (σ) spatial components of the accuracy derived from the E2E tests were 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, respectively.ConclusionsThe E2E methodology used in this study allowed an estimation of the spatial accuracy of our CBCT-guided SRS procedure. Subsequently, a PTV margin of 2.0 mm is currently used in our department.     

Diversity and spatial clustering of shade trees affect cacao yield and pathogen pressure in Costa Rican agroforests

The importance of the spatial organisation of individuals in explaining species coexistence within a community is widely recognised. However, few analyses of spatial structure have been performed on tropical agroforests.The main objective of this study was to highlight the links between spatial organisation of shade trees on the one hand, and shade tree species richness and cacao yield on the other, using data from 29 cacao agroforests in Costa Rica.A method of spatial statistics, Ripley's K-function, was used to analyse the spatial organisation of shade and cacao trees in the study plots. For each stand, the X and Y coordinates of ≥2.5-m-tall trees were recorded. In each plot we also assessed shade tree species richness and cacao yield (with total number of pods = number of pods damaged by frosty pod rot + number of healthy pods).Three types of stands were identified: the first was characterised by significant clustering of shade trees, the highest shade tree species richness (S = 6), and the highest number of damaged pods (139 pods ha^?1 year^?1). The second type was characterised by random spatial organisation of shade trees. The third type showed a trend towards regular organisation. Species richness of shade trees did not differ significantly between the last two types (S = 4 for both), nor did the number of damaged pods (56 pods ha^?1 year^?1 and 67 pods ha^?1 year^?1 respectively).Although the trends were not statistically significant for all the variables in our data set, the clustered spatial structure appears to favour a synergy between environmental (tree species richness), and provisioning (cacao production) services.     

The eccentric,concentric strength relationship of the hamstring muscles in chronic low back pain

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to measure hamstring muscle eccentric and concentric strength in individuals with and without low back pain (LBP). Two composite scores for the relative balance of eccentric to concentric strength at the different movement velocities were calculated (the DEC and SEC), to determine whether or not self perceived pain, disability, or fear avoidance measures were associated with hamstring strength characteristics.DesignCross-sectional repeated measures design.SettingUniversity laboratory.ParticipantsFifteen individuals with chronic LBP and 15 matched controls.Main outcome measuresIsokinetic eccentric and concentric strength at 30° s^?1 and 120° s^?1_. Composite scores (DEC and SEC) based on peak torque were calculated to evaluate the relationship between the different muscle actions across the test velocities. Self report measures included the Oswestry disability index, general health and well being, fear avoidance, and pain.ResultsEccentric/concentric strength ratio at 30° s^?1 was higher for the LBP group (F(1,58) = 4.81, p = 0.032). The SEC was also higher for the LBP (F(1,58) = 5.97, p = 0.018). Fear avoidance beliefs and mental well-being were significantly associated with the SEC only in the LBP group (adjusted r² = 0.26, (F(2,27) = 5.8, p = .008). For the control group both the DEC and SEC were associated with self report measures. Matched differences between groups’ for the SEC were best explained by fear avoidance beliefs about work (adjusted r² = 0.12, F(1,28) = 5.1, p = 0.03).ConclusionReduced concentric relative to eccentric strength is best identified by the SEC. The SEC was significantly associated with impaired self report measures of fear avoidance and mental well being in individuals with LBP. Differences between groups for the SEC were best explained by fear avoidance beliefs about work.     

Mujeres mayores de 65 años que realizan ejercicio físico supervisado: diferencias en la capacidad física,la actividad física y la calidad de vida en función de su velocidad de la marcha

IntroductionWalking speed (WS) is an easy, quick and inexpensive measure that could be used to discern between older people with greater and lesser function and thus individualize physical exercise programs.ObjectivesTo analyze the differences in physical capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in people over 65 years of age who attended a physical exercise program according to their WS and age.Methods55 women (mean age: 76.67 ± 6.66 years) were divided into groups based on their WS (low WS: ≤ 1.59 m/s and high WS: > 1.59 m/s) and age (older-younger: ≤ 76 years and older-older: > 76 years). The following parameters were compared: 10 Meters Walk Test (10MWT), Arm Curl Test, Handgrip, Chair Stand Test, 8 Foot Up and Go Test (8FUG), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Minnesota and The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires.ResultsThe level of physical activity was higher than 3000 METs/week in all groups. The high WS group had better results in the Arm Curl Test, 10MWT, 8FUG and 6MWT and in the Physical Role and Vitality dimensions of the SF-36 (P < .05). The older-older group had lower weight, BMI and Handgrip (P < .01).ConclusionsThe best results in physical capacity and quality of life are in those women with higher WS, suggesting that WS could be useful to individualize physical exercise programs.     

A compensation of angular displacements of the hip joints and lumbosacral spine between subjects with and without idiopathic low back pain during squatting

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common symptoms reported in adults. However, the contribution of postural control on the lumbar spine and hips during squatting has not been carefully investigated in individuals with LBP. The aim of this study was to compare three-dimensional kinematic changes of the lumbar spine and hips between subjects with and without idiopathic chronic LBP during squatting activities. In total, 30 subjects enrolled in the study (15 control subjects and 15 subjects with idiopathic chronic LBP). All participants were asked to perform squatting activities five times repeatedly while holding a load of 2 kg in a basket. The outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and kinematic angular displacement for the hips and lumbar spine. The LBP group demonstrated increased range of motion (ROM) in flexion of the dominant (T = ?2.14, p = 0.03) and non-dominant (T = ?2.11, p = 0.03) hips during squatting. The lumbar spine flexion ROM significantly decreased (T = 2.20, p = 0.03). The kinematic changes demonstrated interactions with region × group (F = 5.56, p = 0.02), plane × group (F = 4.36, p = 0.04), and region × plane (F = 2292.47, p = 0.001). The ODI level demonstrated significant interaction on combined effects of body region and plane (F = 4.91, p = 0.03). Therefore, the LBP group utilized a compensation strategy to increase hip flexion with a stiffened lumbar spine in the sagittal plane during squatting. This compensatory kinematic strategy could apply to clinical management used to enhance lumbar spine flexibility in subjects with idiopathic chronic LBP.