Unique back pain study completed – motion capture delivered decisive results 

With millimeter precision, motion capture technology has enabled researchers to track the patients’ movements and see how the various treatment methods — spinal joint manipulation (chiropractic), medical exercise therapy, and open-label placebo — affect both movement patterns and pain.

– We have observed cases where participants’ pain affects their ability to move. Pain, muscle weakness, or restricted mobility can alter movement patterns and muscle activity, which in turn can lead to reduced function and a greater risk of compensatory movements and therefore unfavorable strain, says PhD student Fredrik Borg, adding:

– The technology has made it possible to measure even small but important changes in movement that are impossible to detect with the naked eye, opening up entirely new opportunities to understand the effects of different treatments, says Fredrik.

Participants also reported that taking part in the study and the mocap experience itself were both interesting and rewarding.

– I got to see an animation of my own movement patterns immediately after the tests. It has given me a better understanding of what affects my back pain, says one participant.

Now that the measurements in the movement lab have been completed, the research study is moving into its next phase.

– Now we will delve deeper into the results and analyze the different effects of the treatments. The goal is to use these insights to develop more individualized treatments and improve care for people with long-term back pain, says PhD student Fredrik Borg.

The research project is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and the Scandinavian College of Chiropractic. Through the Intersective Game project, the tests have been able to take place in Skellefteå’s motion capture testbed.