Motor development in infancy and spine shape in early old age: Findings from a British birth cohort study

Abstract

Spine shape changes dramatically in early life, influenced by attainment of developmental milestones such as independent walking. Whether these associations persist across life is unknown. Therefore, we investigated associations between developmental milestones and spine shape, as determined using statistical shape models (SSMs) of lumbar spine from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans in 1327 individuals (688 female) at 60 to 64 years in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development. Lumbar lordosis angle (L4 inferior endplate to T12 superior endplate) was measured using the two‐line Cobb method. In analyses adjusted for sex, height, lean and fat mass, socioeconomic position, and birthweight, later walking age was associated with greater lordosis described by SSM1 (regression coefficient, 0.023; 95% CI, 0.000‐0.047; P = .05) and direct angle measurement. Modest associations between walking age and less variation in anterior‐posterior vertebral size caudally (SSM6) were also observed (0.021; 95% CI, −0.002 to 0.044; P = .07). Sex interactions showed that later walking was associated with larger relative vertebral anterior‐posterior dimensions in men (SSM3; −0.043; 95% CI, −0.075 to 0.01; P = .01) but not women (0.018; 95% CI, −0.0007 to 0.043; P = .17). Similar associations were observed between age at independent standing and SSMs but there was little evidence of association between sitting age and spine shape. Unadjusted associations between walking age and SSMs 1 and 6 remained similar after adjustment for potential confounders and mediators. This suggests that these associations may be explained by altered mechanical loading of the spine during childhood growth, although other factors could contribute. Early life motor development, particularly walking, may have a lasting effect on the features of spine morphology with clinical significance.

A novel radiographic analysis system for subaxial cervical spine pedicle screw placement

“…Longitudinal and latitudinal growth of the vertebral body accompany the growth, development, and movement of the whole body. At the same time, the second primary ossification center and the mechanical load should also be considered [ 24 – 26 ]. However, these were not the focus of the current study.…”

Associations between long-term exercise participation and lower limb joint and whole-bone geometry in young and older adults

“…Varus bowing is also greatest at birth (+15° ± 8), then overcorrects to valgus alignment during the first years of life (−10° ± 8) and stabilizes (−5° ± 8) later in development in healthy children ( Salenius and Vankka, 1975 ). Mechanical loading in early life is a key determinant of bone shape development ( Fabeck et al, 2002 ; Daly, 2007 ; Janz et al, 2014 ; Ireland et al, 2019 ; Saunders et al, 2020 ) and bone composition ( Janz et al, 2001 ; Daly, 2007 ; Janz et al, 2014 ). Individuals who have conditions that do not permit normal gait during development, such as children with cerebral palsy, will often face lower limb misalignments such as increased femoral torsion, tibial torsion, valgus knee alignment and intoeing ( Staheli et al, 1968 ; Fabry et al, 1973 ; Bobroff et al, 1999 ; Ward et al, 2006 ).…”