The Effect of Body Shape on Tragus-Wall Measurement
The Effect of Body Shape on Tragus-Wall Measurement
Tragus-to-wall distance (TWD) measurements is a method to evaluate spinal mobility in
 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and it also takes place in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis
 Metrology Index (BASMI). Being obese or slim may affect TWD. As well as the person's losing
 or taking weight may lead wrong evaluations, in comparative studies, according to the height
 or weight uneven distribution of groups may affect the results. The aim of this study is to
 investigate whether the body shape affect TWD or not.
Healthy volunteers between 18-65 ages who have no disorder that may disturb posture or erect
 position (inflammatory diseases, kyphosis, scoliosis, joint deformities)will be included into
 the study. A wall corner will be used as the measurement platform; the evaluated person will
 be positioned as described in BASMI. A rigid ruler will be placed form anterior superior
 iliac spine (SIAS) to the lateral wall, parallel to the back wall; a projection point will be
 determined and its distance from back wall will be measured (SIAS-WD). In the same position,
 projection point of the middle of the humerus head and back wall distance (shoulder-WD) and
 TWD also will be measured. The relationships between these parameters will be statistically
 assessed.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Volunteers between 18-65 ages

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  subjects with disorders that may disturb posture or erect position

 -  inflammatory diseases,

 -  kyphosis,

 -  scoliosis,

 -  joint deformities