Livres, Mémoires & Thèses

ABSTRACT

The innovative structural concept of tensegrity has been applied in biomechanic as well as in therapeutic approaches. It seems to be useful to
present these results in the aim to extend the reflection for
osteopathic application.
The tensegrity systems are spatial structures composed of a discontinuous network of rigid bars compressed by a continuous prestretched network of elastic cables. Self internal tension and non linear mechanical behavior of such a tensegrity system are two fundamental characteristics.
At microscale, the relations between biological functions (metabolism, morphogenesis) and structure (extracellular matrix, integrins and
cytoskeleton) of living cells are analyzed by the tensegrity concept.
External and internal force equilibrium controls and regulates the cellular life. The role of the extracellular matrix (fascias) seems to be crucial in physiological and pathological processes.
At macroscale, several anatomical structures (sacrum, shoulder, spine, and craniosacral system ) are tensegrity-like bodies. The hierarchical notion of these systems is important, the fascias constituted an
integrative intermediate level. The assumption of the behavior of the whole body like a tensegrity system is approached in the present study.
The role of the gravity as a stability factor and etiological agent is herein analyzed. The tensegrity model allows to precise the notion of secondary movement, the principle of the osteopathic tests as well as explanations for several corrective techniques. The pathology is described in terms of self stress states. The matrix tissue or fascia appears then to be the key to reach the cellular level which is the final objective of the physician’s action. The cyclic properties of the systems clarify the concept of the primary respiratory mechanism.
The tensegrity seems to give the possibility to get a unified biomechanic vision which is a critical stage to validate the osteopathic concepts. The present study might be reinforced by future experimental protocols.

KEY-WORDS : tensegrity, osteopathy, biomechanic, cellular biomechanic, fascias, postural equilibrium, osteopathic tests, primary
respiratory mechanism.