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Publication of the Medical Rehabilitation is under the auspices of the Committee on Rehabilitation, Physical Education and Social Integration of the Polish Academy of Science
Article
Medical Rehabilitation - quarterly journal
Volume 12 year 2008, Issue number 3
Assessment of the strength and endurance of the trunk muscle in patients with low back pain
Authors: Jacek Głodzik, Wiesław Chwała, Anna Marchewka, Tadeusz Ruchlewicz, Antoni Skura
Medical Rehabilitation 2008; 12(3): 15-23
Assessment of strength and endurance of trunk muscle in patients with low back pain
Ocena siły i wytrzymałości mięśni tułowia pacjentów z zespołem dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa
Jacek Głodzik, Wiesław Chwała 2, Anna Marchewka 3, Tadeusz Ruchlewicz 2, Antoni Skura 4
1 Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland
2 Department of Anthropomotorics, University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland
3 Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland
4 Rheumatology Ward of the Dietl Hospital in Cracow, Poland
Key words
low back pain, muscle strength, muscle endurance
Abstract
Introduction: In this study, strength and endurance of the trunk muscles were assessed in patients with spondyloarthrosis of the lower spine.
Material and methods: 52 women and 49 men with low back pain syndrome (LBPS) were enrolled into the study. Themuscle strength of the flexors and extensors of the trunk was determined by calculation of the maximum (MT) and relative torque (RT) during an isometric contraction. Evaluation of endurance of the extensors used calculation of the regression coefficient of the strength reduction during the testing of maximum strength capability. The obtained results were compard to results obtained in healthy persons. Moreover, the relation of those parameters to age, body-mass index – BMI (describing somatic habitus) and the Oswestry Disability Index – ODI (describing pain intensity during activities of daily living) was assessed. Separate analyses were conducted for the groups of males and females.
Results: Based on the conducted study and the performed analyses, it can be stated that in patients with chronic low back pain syndrome there is a marked reduction in trunk muscle strength as compared to healthy persons. For females, the reduction ranged from 45% (flexors) to 48% (extensors) for absolute maximum torque values, while for relative values (RT) – from 51% (flexors) to 56% (extensors). In men, the strength reduction of abdominal and back muscles was smaller and was approximately 40% (for MT and RT). Becasue of such differences in the strength of the back muscles and methodological reasons, endurance variables were not compared. Reduction in trunk muscle strength is primarily due to the pain syndrome and does not depend on patients’ age or habitus. Lower muscle strength can affect the intensity of spinal pain during every-day activities.
Conclusions: Precise determination of the strength and endurance of the trunk muscles and the appropriate selection of methods of their reinforcement should constitute one of the principal aims of rehabilitation treatment in patients with low back pain.