Defining and measuring objective and subjective spinal stiffness: a scoping review

PurposeExamine and identify the breadth of definitions and measures of objective and subjective spinal stiffness in the literature, with a focus on clinical implications.MethodsA scoping review was conducted to determine what is known about definitions and measures of the specific term of spinal stiffness. Following the framework by Arksey and O'Malley, eligible peer-reviewed studies identified using PubMed, Ebsco health, and Scopus were included if they reported definitions or measures of spinal stiffness. Using a data abstraction form, the studies were classified into four themes: biomechanical, surgical, pathophysiological, and segmental spinal assessment. To identify similarities and differences between studies, sixteen categories were generated.ResultsIn total, 2426 records were identified, and 410 met the eligibility criteria. There were 350 measures (132 subjective; 218 objective measures) and 93 indicators of spinal stiffness. The majority of studies (n = 69%) did not define stiffness.ConclusionThis review highlights the breadth of objective and subjective measures that are both clinically and methodologically diverse. There is no consensus regarding a standardised definition of stiffness in the reviewed literature.

Automated summary

This scoping review examines the breadth of definitions and measures of spinal stiffness in the literature, emphasizing its clinical implications. The results show that there is a diversity of definitions and measurement methods for stiffness, with no standardized definition.