Date of Award

Summer 8-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Rehabilitation Sciences

Program/Concentration

Kinesiology and Rehabilitation

Committee Director

Eric Schussler

Committee Director

Patricia Laverdure

Committee Member

Julie Cavallario

Committee Member

Ashwini Kulkarni

Committee Member

Michelle Bradshaw

Abstract

Bertolotti’s Syndrome (BSy), characterized by the presence of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), represents a complex clinical entity that affects not only the physical health of the individual, but the quality of their daily life. Prior research on BSy focused on epidemiology, not lived experience, revealing inconsistencies in diagnostic inconsistencies of LSTV morphology. A three-tiered diagnostic system is proposed to streamline the reporting of LSTV subtypes. We examined how BSy is diagnosed, its symptoms, presentation, and how this impacts individuals’ ability to participate in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). We conducted a multi method online survey (n=113), with individuals diagnosed with symptomatic LSTV/BSy. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis characterized how their symptoms of pain, fatigue, decreased endurance, and decreased mobility, impacted their daily lives. ADLs, including sex, and IADLs, like grocery shopping, were most impacted by BSy symptoms of pain, fatigue, decreased endurance, and decreased mobility. Based on these findings, we then conducted a second multi-method study (n=4) to further understand the physical presentation of BSy regarding health-related quality of life, posture, balance, and gait. Data was collected on health-related quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), posture was assessed using the PosturePro App, balance using the Y Balance Test (YBT), and gait analysis was conducted using RunDNA’s Helix System. Participants showed diminished lumbopelvic instability and diminished single limb control; these are underlying motor skills necessary to safely participate ADLs and IADLs. By framing BSy through lived experience, this dissertation highlights the multifaceted need of this population and provides the first participant reported data on what it is like to live with BSy.

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DOI

10.25777/wz5w-3004

ISBN

9798193214595

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