Assessment of the strength and endurance of the trunk muscle in patients with low back pain
Journal Title: Rehabilitacja Medyczna - Year 2008, Vol 12, Issue 3
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. The muscle 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 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.
Authors and Affiliations
Jacek Głodzik, Wiesław Chwała, Anna Marchewka, Tadeusz Ruchlewicz, Antoni Skura
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP82062
- DOI -
- Views 86
- Downloads 0
Od Redakcji
Effect of vibrational therapy on muscle tissue
In an adult human, on average, muscles constitute about 40% of their body mass. They are the basic structural and functional elements of the musculoskeletal system based mainly on shrinkage of their fibres. This state, a...
Selected trials of the Senior Fitness Test as a measure of the functional ability of patients given early post-hospital rehabilitation following a coronary artery bypass grafting
Introduction: The expected effect of rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the restoration of the patients’ functional fitness. However, the absence of a method for a functional assessment of the...
Assessment of the selected physiological effects of Nordic Walking performed as a part of a physical exercise program during the second phase of rehabilitation after a myocardial infarction
Background: Walks and marches are a simple yet effective forms of physical activity, commonly used in the cardiac rehabilitation. It has been recommended recently to combine march training with exercises involving upper...
The dependence on posture of temporalis and masseter bioelectrical muscle activity
Background: Masticatory dysfunctions are a common problem in society today. Disorders such as clenching, bruxism can lead to a loosening of teeth in the jaw, abrasion of the tooth crowns, inflammatory changes, and ultima...