abstract
- Compression fractures can be caused by high axial loading or sudden spine flexion, which could happen during sports training or playing. However, information about thoracic compression fractures in sports is scarce and almost nonexistent. The literature suggests a strong relationship between spine injuries and local mobility restriction. Computer models help address spine mobility because they allow for calculating the motion of specific vertebrae. This work investigates the biomechanical implications of a healed T8 wedging fracture on spine motion during flexion exercises. Four male competitive cheer athletes were recruited. One participant experienced a wedging fracture at the T8 level. The subjects were asked to perform four unrestricted and restricted spine flexion exercises. Motion was captured at 120 Hz using a Vicon motion capture system. The OpenSim Thoracolumbar Spine and Rib Cage were used to calculate the ranges of motion of the spine since this model has proven to determine kinematics differences in vertebral motion. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.