Title : Center of Pressure (COP) characteristics for identifying kyphotic and scoliotic postural tendencies: A preliminary study
Abstract:
Background: Postural abnormalities, such as kyphosis and scoliosis, are significant health concerns that can lead to musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations. Quantitative assessment of postural control through Center of Pressure (COP) analysis provides an objective method for evaluating standing balance and may serve as a non-invasive screening tool for identifying postural tendencies. The Zebris FDM-T treadmill, with its high-precision pressure distribution measurement, is an ideal instrument for capturing detailed COP dynamics.
Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to determine if specific COP parameters can effectively distinguish between individuals with normal posture and those with tendencies toward kyphosis or scoliosis. A secondary objective is to develop a preliminary classification model based on the spatial distribution of the COP area to aid in the identification of these postural groups.
Methods: A high-resolution pressure distribution treadmill (Zebris FDM-T) was utilized to measure COP variations in three subjects during a 30-second static standing task. Subjects were categorized into three groups based on clinical assessment: Normal, Kyphotic Tendency, and Scoliotic Tendency. Analyzed parameters included COP trajectory length, mean velocity, X-Y axis displacement, 95% confidence ellipse area, and the distribution of reaction forces between the forefoot and hindfoot of both feet.
Results: The results revealed distinct COP characteristics among the three groups, demonstrating that postural tendencies significantly influence balance stability. Specifically, individuals with a kyphotic tendency exhibited longer trajectory lengths and higher COP velocities, while those with a scoliotic tendency demonstrated a larger COP ellipse area and significant lateral displacement along the X-axis. In contrast, the normal group displayed a relatively concentrated and stable COP distribution. Furthermore, the spatial clustering patterns of COP within the X-Y quadrants showed clear identifiability across the three postural types, supporting the metric's value as a reliable basis for classification.
Conclusion: This study confirms that static COP analysis offers an objective, rapid, and non- invasive advantage for the early identification of postural abnormalities. This method can serve as a clinical screening tool to provide a basis for referrals to rehabilitation, orthopedics, or prosthetic and orthotic professionals. These findings highlight the clinical potential of pressure distribution technology in postural classification and early intervention assessment.
