Comparison of the Body Alignment during Standing on Level and Wedge Board
The purpose of this study was to compare the body alignment during standing on level and wedge board. Twenty healthy college students (8 females, 12 males) were evaluated in this study. Diagnostic contourline potographic imaging system (Model JTC-1, Jodang Trading Co.) was used to measure body alignment. Sagittal and frontal plane images were used to analyze the body alignment. The result showed that the cervical and lumbar lordotic curve significantly decreased during standing on wedge board when compared with standing on level. On the other hand, thoracic kyphosis significantly increased during standing on wedge board. There was no significant difference in body alignment according to gender, weight, and height. Clinically, patients with low back pain and severe lordosis may be affected by heel wedge. Further study is needed to identify whether the standing on wedge board can change the body alignment in patients with low back pain and spinal deformity.