Spine configuration associated with various sleep surfaces

The effects of various types of sleepware on the changes in spinal shape were investigated. Since any departure in the shape of the spine from its natural erect position causes tension in the lower back muscles, the study concentrated on changes in the spinal shape associated with subjects in a supine position on the sleepware. Since the subjects´ spines were not visually exposed, indirect measurements were made by means of a sonic echoing device. The shape of the spine was determined for each subject by combining the data taken from the erect position and the data from the supine position. Results for a selected group of subjects are presented and discussed.<>