Personal risk factors for first-time low back pain

A Critical Review of Trunk and Hip Exercise Prescription: Applying Evidence for a Modern Approach

Exercise targeting the trunk and hip (core) musculature is common practice in rehabilitation and performance training. Historical underpinnings of core exercise focus on providing stability to the spine, thus improving the function of the spine and extremities, while instability has been postulated to result in pathology and impaired performance. Mechanistic studies on the topic are often conflicting and indeterminate, suggesting the theoretical underpinnings of targeted core exercise may be over assumed in common practice. The best modes of intervention also remain undefined, with combined methods having potential to optimize outcomes. This includes moving beyond isolated exercise camps and being inclusive of both targeted exercise and progressive multi-joint movements. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to describe the historical mechanisms of the stability-instability continuum and the role of exercise intervention. A spectrum of ideologies related to core exercise are examined, while appreciating positive outcomes of exercise interventions across healthy and pathological populations. Finally, exercise summaries were compiled to improve critical reasoning within current practice and inspire future investigations.

Level of Evidence

5.

Challenges of Measuring Self-Reported Exposure to Occupational Biomechanical Risk Factors Amongst People with Low Literacy Engaged in Manual Labour: Findings from a Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Investigation in an African Population with Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE

Occupational biomechanical factors are implicated in the aetiology and progression of low back pain (LBP). This study cross-culturally adapted and psychometrically investigated the Occupational Risk Factor Questionnaire (ORFQ) in a low literate Nigerian Igbo population with chronic LBP.

METHODS

Forward and back translation of the original ORFQ by clinical and non-clinical translators was followed by an expert committee review. The adapted ORFQ was pre-tested amongst rural Nigerian adults with chronic LBP using cognitive think-aloud interviewing. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability (unweighted and linear weighted k statistic for item-by-item agreement, and intra-class correlation coefficient-ICC) were investigated amongst 50 rural and urban Nigerian dwellers with chronic LBP. Spearman's correlation and regression analyses were conducted with the Igbo-ORFQ, and measures of disability [World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Back performance scale (BPS)], pain intensity [Eleven-point box scale (BS-11)] and social support [Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)], to test construct validity with 200 rural Nigerian dwellers with chronic LBP.

RESULTS

Cross-cultural adaptation highlighted difficulty conceptualising and concretising exposure to biomechanical risk factors. Item-by-item agreement, internal consistency (α = 0.84) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.83) were good. Some unexpected direction of associations between the biomechanical components of the Igbo-ORFQ, and disability, pain intensity, and social support prohibits establishment of construct validity.

CONCLUSION

Prospective studies comparing the Igbo-ORFQ to other measures of exposure to occupational biomechanical risk factors are required to establish the construct validity of the Igbo-ORFQ.

Interdisciplinary Fascia Therapy: A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study for a New Myofascial Approach for Chronic Low Back Pain

Background/Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is highly prevalent and relevant in all medical fields. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of interdisciplinary fascia therapy (IFT) for CLBP, focusing on its potential to reduce pain intensity, disability, and regulate autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Methods: Nine participants with CLBP each underwent nine sessions of IFT, twice weekly. The intervention involved a 12-grip manual sequence targeting deep paravertebral myofascial structures, complemented by heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training twice daily for 15 min. Pain and quality-of-life measures were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire at baseline, mid-treatment (4th session), and post-treatment (9th session). HRV metrics were monitored with a 24 h ECG Holter device before and after the treatment period. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Cohen's d for effect size. Results: Significant reductions in pain levels were observed across all subjective BPI measures, including momentary, strongest, minimal, and average pain scores (p < 0.001), with 83% and 87% reductions in pain intensity and disability, respectively. Quality-of-life indicators such as mood, sleep, and enjoyment of life showed significant improvements (p < 0.001). While only one HRV metric (rMSSD) achieved statistical significance, other HRV measures indicated medium to large effect sizes, suggesting favorable trends in ANS regulation. Conclusions: IFT demonstrated significant effects on subjective BPI pain reduction and quality of life, alongside potential regulatory impacts on ANS activity in individuals with CLBP. These results support the use of IFT as an effective intervention for pain management in CLBP and ANS regulation, meriting further exploration.

Assessing the Preservation of Lumbar Lordotic Curvature in Everyday Sitting Conditions Assessed with an Inertial Measurement System

Background/Objectives: Lumbar lordotic curvature (LLC), closely associated with low back pain (LBP) when decreased, is infrequently assessed in clinical settings due to the spatiotemporal limitations of radiographic methods. To overcome these constraints, this study used an inertial measurement system to compare the magnitude and maintenance of LLC across various sitting conditions, categorized into three aspects: verbal instructions, chair type, and desk task types. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy participants were instructed to sit for 3 min with two wireless sensors placed on the 12th thoracic vertebra and the 2nd sacral vertebra. The lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) was measured using relative angles for the mediolateral axis and comparisons were made within each sitting category. Results: The maintenance of LLA (LLAdev) was significantly smaller when participants were instructed to sit upright (-3.7 ± 3.9°) compared to that of their habitual sitting posture (-1.2 ± 2.4°) (p = 0.001), while the magnitude of LLA (LLAavg) was significantly larger with an upright sitting posture (p = 0.001). LLAdev was significantly larger when using an office chair (-0.4 ± 1.1°) than when using a stool (-3.2 ± 7.1°) (p = 0.033), and LLAavg was also significantly larger with the office chair (p < 0.001). Among the desk tasks, LLAavg was largest during keyboard tasks (p < 0.001), followed by mouse and writing tasks; LLAdev showed a similar trend without statistical significance (keyboard, -1.2 ± 3.0°; mouse, -1.8 ± 2.2°; writing, -2.9 ± 3.1°) (p = 0.067). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that strategies including the use of an office chair and preference for computer work may help preserve LLC, whereas in the case of cueing, repetition may be necessary.

Factors affecting functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study

Background

Knowledge about factors affecting functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is helpful in guiding treatment, but there has been little systematic research on this topic. This study aimed to identify independent factors contributing to functional disability in NSCLBP patients especially the impact of sagittal parameters and body postures in work, learning, and daily life.

Methods

Sociodemographic data, sagittal parameters, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) of NSCLBP patients were collected. Patients were divided into a low-functional disability group (ODI ≤ 20) and a high-functional disability group (ODI > 20), and the ODI was converted to ranked ODI (RODI) accordingly. Sociodemographic data, sagittal parameters, NRS, and SF-36 were compared by univariate analysis between both groups. A correlation analysis of the aforementioned factors with the RODI was conducted. The sociodemographic data and sagittal parameters related to the RODI were analyzed by logistic regression to select potential RODI-associated factors. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Age, educational background, daily main posture while working or learning (DMPWL), daily standing time while working or learning (DSTTWL), daily sitting time while resting (DSITR), sacral slope-pelvic tilt (SS-PT), spinosacral angle (SSA), NRS, and SF-36 (except mental health, MH) were different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that they were related to the RODI (P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the regression coefficients of a college degree, postgraduate diploma, DSITR, and SSA were (B = -0.197; P = 0.003), (B = -0.211; P = 0.006), (B = -0.139; P = 0.039), and (B = -0.207; P = 0.001), respectively, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 0.489 (0.308; 0.778), 0.299 (0.125; 0.711), 0.875 (0.772; 0.993), and 0.953 (0.925; 0.981), respectively.

Conclusion

Educational background, DSITR, and SSA are independent factors affecting functional disability in NSCLBP patients. NSCLBP patients with a lower educational background, shorter DSITR, or smaller SSA should be taken into account in clinical practice and therapeutic choices. Extending sitting time for rest and the avoidance of a forward-leaning standing position are beneficial for reducing functional disability in NSCLBP.

Can the Mismatch of Measured Pelvic Morphology vs. Lumbar Lordosis Predict Chronic Low Back Pain Patients?

Background: Measures of lumbar lordosis (LL) and elliptical modeling variables have been shown to discriminate between normal and chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. Pelvic morphology influences an individual's sagittal lumbar alignment. Our purpose is to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of lumbar sagittal radiographic alignment and modeling variables to identify if these can discriminate between normal controls and CLBP patients. Methods: We conducted a computer analysis of digitized vertebral body corners on lateral lumbar radiographs of normal controls and CLBP patients. Fifty normal controls were attained from a required pre-employment physical examination (29 men; 21 women; mean age of 27.7 ± 8.5 years), with no history of low back pain, a normal spinal examination, no pathologies, anomalies, or instability. Additionally, 50 CLBP patients (29 men; 29.5 ± 8 years of age) were randomly chosen and matched to the characteristics of the controls. The inclusion criteria required no abnormalities on lumbar spine radiographs. The parameters included the following: ARA L1-L5 lordosis, ARA T12-S1 lordosis, Cobb T12-S1, b/a elliptical modelling ratio, sacral base angle (SBA), and S1 posterior tangent to vertical (PTS1). Two measures of pelvic morphology were determined for each person-the angle of pelvic incidence (API) and posterior tangent pelvic incidence angle (PTPIA)-and the relationships between API - ARA T12-S1, API - Cobb T12-S1, and API - ARA L1-5 was determined. Descriptive statistics and correlations among the primary variables were determined. The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) for primary variables were analyzed. Results: The mean values of LL were statistically different between the normal and CLBP groups (p < 0.001), indicating a hypo-lordotic lumbar spine for the CLBP group. The mean b/a ratio was lower in the chronic pain group (p = 0.0066). The pelvic morphology variables were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). API had a stronger correlation to the SBA and Cobb T12-S1 than PTPIA did, while PTPIA had a stronger correlation to the S1 tangent and ARA T12-S1 than API did. While CLBP patients had a stronger correlation of ARA T12-S1 and Cobb T12-S1 relative to the pelvic morphology, they also had a reduced correlation of ARA L1-L5 lordosis relative to their SBA and pelvic morphology measures. API - T12-S1, API - L1-L5, and API - Cobb T12-S1 were statistically different between the groups, p < 0.001. Using ROC curve analyses, it was identified that ARA L1-L5 lordosis of 36° and ARA T12-S1 of 68° have a good sensitivity and specificity to discriminate between normal and CLBP patients. ROC curve analyses identified that lordosis ARAT12-S1 < 68° (AUC = 0.83), lordosis ARAL1-L5 < 36° (AUC = 0.78), API - ARA T12-S1 < -18° (AUC = 0.75), API - ARAL1-L5 > 35° (AUC = 0.71), and API - Cobb T12-S1 < -5° (AUC = 0.69) had moderate to good discrimination between groups (AUC = 0.83, 0.78, 0.75, and 0.72). Conclusions: Pelvic morphology is similar between normal and CLBP patients. CLBP patients have an abnormal 'fit' of their API - ARAT12-S1 and L1-L5 lumbar lordosis relative to their pelvic morphology and sacral tilt shown as a hypolordosis.

Reliability of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography for Evaluating Psoas Major and Quadratus Lumborum Stiffness: Gender and Physical Activity Effects

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the reliability of quantifying psoas major (PM) and quadratus lumborum (QL) stiffness with ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE), and to explore the effects of gender and physical activity on muscle stiffness.

METHODS

Fifty-two healthy participants (18-32 y) were recruited. To determine reliability, 29 of them underwent repeated SWE measurements of PM and QL stiffness by an operator on the same day. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC3,1), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change with 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were calculated. The rest participants underwent a single measurement. Two-way MANCOVA was conducted for the effects of gender and physical activity on muscle stiffness.

RESULTS

The observed reliability for PM (ICC3,1 = 0.89-0.92) and QL (ICC3,1 = 0.79-0.82) were good-to-excellent and good, respectively. The SEM (kPa) was 0.79-1.03 and 1.23-1.28, and the MDC95 (kPa) was 2.20-2.85 and 3.41-3.56 for PM and QL, respectively. After BMI adjustment, both gender (PM: F = 10.15, p = 0.003; QL: F = 18.07, p < 0.001) and activity level (PM: F = 5.90, p = 0.005; QL: F = 6.33, p = 0.004) influenced muscle stiffness. The female and inactive groups exhibited higher stiffness in both muscles.

CONCLUSION

SWE is reliable for quantifying the stiffness of PM and QL. Female and physical inactivity may elevate PM and QL stiffness, underscoring the importance of accounting for these factors in muscle stiffness investigations. Larger prospective studies are needed to further elucidate their effects.

Correlation between sagittal parameters and disability of patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study of 435 subjects

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Sagittal parameters are significantly correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult spinal deformity patients. Their association with HRQoL in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is unclear.

PURPOSE

To analyze the correlation between sagittal parameters and disability in NSCLBP patients.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Subjects included 435 patients with NSCLBP divided into low disability and high disability groups.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Function was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and HRQoL was measured using 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

METHODS

Sagittal parameters, demographic data, ODI, SF-36 eight-dimensional scores and NRS scores of patients with NSCLBP were collected. Taking ODI=20 as the cut-off value, patients were divided into low disability group (ODI≤20) and high disability group (ODI>20), and ODI were converted to Ranked ODI (RODI) accordingly. Univariate analysis of the correlation among age, gender, body mass index (BMI), sagittal parameters, RODI, SF-36 eight-dimensional scores, NRS scores were then conducted. The variables related to RODI were analyzed by logistic regression to discover their independent influence on RODI. p<.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 435 patients with NSCLBP were included. Univariate correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between age, sacral slope-pelvic tilt (SS-PT), spinosacral angle (SSA) and RODI were (r=0.126, p<.01), (r=-0.115, p<.05), (r=-0.116, p<.05), respectively. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the regression coefficients of age and SSA were 0.030 (p=.001), -0.044 (p=.002), respectively, and the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.031 (1.012, 1.050), 0.957 (0.930, 0.985).

CONCLUSIONS

Age and SSA are independent factors for disability of NSCLBP. SSA can comprehensively reflect the sagittal balance of the spine of patients with NSCLBP. Decreased SSA represents poor sagittal balance, which will increase the disability of NSCLBP.

Development and feasibility of a function-based preventive intervention for lifestyle-related disorders

BACKGROUND

The enormous effect of lifestyle-related disorders on health of the global population warrants the development of preventive interventions. Focusing on musculoskeletal health and physical activity may be a way to encourage necessary lifestyle changes by making them more concrete and understandable. The aims of the current study were to develop a function-based preventive intervention aimed at lifestyle-related disorders in physically inactive 40-year-old people and to investigate the feasibility of the intervention. The feasibility study aimed to solve practical and logistical challenges and to develop the intervention based on the experiences of participants and involved clinical personnel according to defined criteria.

METHODS

Development of the standardised functional examination was based on literature-validated tests and clinical reasoning. Development of a risk profile was based on the functional examination and similar profiles which have already proved feasible. The feasibility of the functional examination and risk profile, together with function-based lifestyle counselling was tested on 27 participants in a pilot study with two physiotherapist examinations over a four-month period. Practical results and feedback from participants and collaborating personnel were examined.

RESULTS

The functional examination consists of 20 established tests not requiring specialised equipment or training which were deemed relevant for a middle-aged population and a sub-maximal ergometer test. The risk profile consists of seven functional dimensions: cardiovascular fitness, strength in upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk, mobility, balance and posture, and three non-functional dimensions: weight, self-assessed physical activity and pain. Each dimension contains at least two measures. The participants appreciated the intervention and found it motivating for making lifestyle changes. They found the tests and risk profile understandable and could see them as tools to help achieve concrete goals. The examination required 60-75 min for one physiotherapist. The recruitment rate was low and recruited participants were highly motivated to making lifestyle changes.

CONCLUSION

This project developed a functional test battery and risk profile aimed at inactive 40-year-olds which fulfilled our feasibility criteria. Functional screening and lifestyle counselling were found to be of value to a sub-group of inactive 40-year-olds who were already motivated to improve their health situations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05535296 first posted on 10/09/2022.

Evaluation of lumbar lordosis in symptomatic individuals and comparative analysis of six different techniques: a retrospective radiologic study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study; evaluate lumbar lordosis (LL) in symptomatic individuals with six different techniques and to examine the techniques comparatively. Thus, to provide an overview of lumbal lordosis and techniques.

METHODS

Cobb L1-L5, Cobb L1-S1, Posterior Tangent, tangential radiologic assessment of lumbar lordosis (TRALL), vertebral centroid measurement of lumbar lordosis (CLL) and Risser Ferguson measurement techniques were used to assess LL from radiographs of 175 symptomatic adults. Correlations between techniques and relationship between the measurements obtained, gender and age were analyzed. Also ınterclass correlation (ICC) analyzed. Bland-Altman plots were performed to compare the techniques with Cobb.

RESULTS

ICC for all methods were greater than 0.96. For each method, no difference in LL was observed with respect to gender or age (p > 0.05). High positive correlation was observed between the Risser Ferguson, Posterior Tangent, Cobb L1-L5, Cobb L1-S1 and CLL techniques (p < 0.001), and moderate positive correlation between TRALL and all other techniques (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was found that the mean lumbar lordosis values of symptomatic participants were lower than most of the other asymptomatic studies in the literature and there was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis values in terms of gender and age in symptomatic individuals. Based on statistical findings, Risser Ferguson can be used to assess LL. These results and the data obtained as a result of the comparative examination of techniques according to age groups and gender will benefit clinicians and those working in the field by providing a better understanding LL.

Effect of adding abdominal bracing to spinal stabilization exercise on lumbar lordosis angle, extensor strength, pain, and function in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: A prospective randomized pilot study

TRIAL DESIGN

This study investigated the effect of adding abdominal bracing to spinal stability exercise in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This prospective, randomized pilot study included 67 patients and was conducted at the sports medicine center of a single hospital.

METHODS

The abdominal bracing group (ABBG) underwent spinal stability exercise with abdominal bracing (N = 33), comprising 50 minutes training twice a week for 24 weeks. The control group performed only spinal stability exercise (N = 34) for 50 minutes twice a week for 24 weeks. The ABBG received abdominal bracing training at each session and applied abdominal bracing during the spinal stability exercise. The lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) and spine extensor muscle strength were measured. Spinal flexion angles were measured every 12° from 0° to 72°. The visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index were measured before treatment and at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

The LLA increased over time in both the groups but was not significantly different between the groups. Spine extensor strength was improved over time in both the groups, and an interactive effect was observed at a spinal flexion angle of 60° and 72°. Pain and function were also improved over time in both the groups, but the effect was stronger in the ABBG than in the control group. In patients with CLBP, spinal stability exercise changed the LLA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although adding abdominal bracing to spinal stability exercise did not affect the changes in the LLA, abdominal bracing improved the spinal extensor strength, pain, and function in patients with CLBP. Therefore, it is recommended to add abdominal bracing to spinal stability exercise to maintain the lordosis angle and to improve CLBP symptoms.

Orientation of Osteotomized Vertebrae in 2-Level Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy Plays a Crucial Role in the Remodeling of Harmonious Sagittal Curve for Severe Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity Caused by Ankylosing Spondylitis

BACKGROUND

Few studies reported the remodeling of harmonious sagittal curve after 2-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for severe thoracolumbar kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how the orientation of osteotomized vertebrae (OV) affects the remodeling of harmonious sagittal curve in patients with AS undergoing 2-level PSO.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients treated with 2-level PSO were reviewed. Plumb lines of thoracic apex and lumbar apex, the superior/inferior endplate angle of OV, and OV tilt were measured. Patients with AS were grouped based on the postoperative lumbar lordotic apex (LLA, L3 or L4 vs L5 or others).

RESULTS

The level of thoracic kyphotic apex was positively correlated with that of superior OV postoperatively. Larger sacral slope, L1-L3 lordotic angle, and plumb lines of lumbar apex could be obtained in patients with LLA at L3 or L4, accompanied with larger superior endplate angle of OV and OV tilt of inferior OV ( P < .05). Besides, larger lumbar lordotic angle (LL) was observed in these patients (marginally significant, P = .057). For patients with relocated LLA at L5 or others, lower pelvic incidence was observed, accompanied with significant loss of correction ( P < .05) and worse Visual Analog Scale scores (marginally significant, P = .054) during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Ventrally leaning inferior OV combined with dorsally leaning superior OV contributed to the most harmonious sagittal curve defined as thoracic kyphotic apex at T8 or above and LLA at L3 or L4. Sagittal curve with LLA at L5 could be acceptable in patients with more severe kyphosis, especially those with low pelvic incidence.

Perceived psychosocial stressors and coping resources in chronic low back pain patients as classified by the avoidance-endurance model

Objectives

The Avoidance-Endurance Model distinguishes between subgroups of low back pain (LBP) patients with three maladaptive styles of coping with pain: fear-avoidance (FAR), distress-endurance (DER), eustress-endurance (EER), and one adaptive coping style (AR). This study aimed to compare the quantity of patients' perceived psychosocial stressors and coping resources across these subgroups.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient rehabilitation center for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. One hundred and thirty-seven patients (69 women/68 men) with chronic LBP were assessed using the following: a demographic checklist, the visual analogue scale, Avoidance-Endurance Questionnaire, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Pain Disability Index, and 36-Item Short Form. Subsequently, patients participated in semi-structured interviews led by clinical psychologists, which were intended to identify their perception of stressors and coping resources. The quantity of psychosocial stressors and coping resources were analyzed using deductive and inductive content analyses and then compared between subgroups using chi-square-tests.

Results

FARs experienced significantly higher levels of “mental suffering” (p = &lt;0.001) and “other workplace problems” compared to ARs and EERs (p = &lt;0.001). DERs reported significantly higher levels of “mental suffering” (p = &lt;0.001), “job stress” (p = 0.022), and “familial losses” (p = 0.029) compared to ARs, whereas the AR group demonstrated significantly more “coping resources” (p = 0.001) compared to FARs.

Conclusion

AEM-subgroups differed in the quantity of perceived psychosocial stressors and coping resources with AR, who demonstrated a lower risk for pain chronicity and reported the highest quantity of resources. The variability across subgroups may imply differences in patientś needs regarding therapeutic interventions and suggests that a resource-centered approach to cope with stress and pain may be beneficial.

Sports injuries patterns in children and adolescents according to their sports participation level, age and maturation

BACKGROUND

Growth can make young athletes more vulnerable to sports injuries. Increased knowledge about injury profile and its predictors is an important part of an overall risk management strategy but few studies have produced information.

METHODS

Information about injury profile and sports participation (SP) level was obtained by LESADO and RAPIL II questionnaires. They were distributed to 651 participants aged between 10 and 18 years attending four schools. Maturity measures were evaluated through maturity offset (MO) and Tanner-Whitehouse III method. Bivariate analysis was used to identify the set of candidate predictors for multinomial logistic regression analysis that was used to determine significant predictors of injury type and body area injury location.

RESULTS

Regarding injury type predictors recreative boys had more chances of having a sprain or a fracture than a strain. Also, recreative and scholar girls had more chances of having a sprain than a strain. As MO decreased, the chances of girls having a strain or a fracture when compared to sprains were higher. For body area location boys with 10-11 years were more likely to have upper limbs injuries than boys of other ages. This was also confirmed by MO. Spine and trunk injuries were more likely to occur in federate and no sports participation girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Injury type and body area injury location differed significantly by SP level, age group and MO.

Impact of the flexibility of the spinal deformity on low back pain and disc degeneration in adult patients nonoperatively treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with thoracolumbar or lumbar curves

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of the flexibility of thoracolumbar or lumbar (TL/L) curves on low back pain (LBP) and disc degeneration in adult patients nonoperatively treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

Forty-seven adult patients (46 women; mean age, 40.5 years) nonoperatively treated for AIS with TL/L curves were included. The patients completed radiological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging, and a questionnaire survey for LBP evaluation. The flexibility of the spinal deformity was evaluated using supine side-bending radiographs. Radiographic measurements were correlated with scores for LBP and disc degeneration.

RESULTS

The average magnitude and flexibility of the TL/L curve were 49.0° and 56%, respectively. The magnitudes of the TL/L curve and disc wedging were significantly correlated with LBP (|r|= 0.3-0.4). The flexibility of the TL/L curve and disc wedging, and the lumbar lateral range of motion (ROM) were significantly correlated with LBP and disc degeneration (|r|= 0.3-0.5). After controlling for the magnitudes of the TL/L curve and disc wedging, the flexibility of L4/5 disc wedging and the lumbar lateral ROM remained significantly correlated with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 pain score (partial correlation coefficient [r'] = 0.5 and 0.3), Oswestry Disability Index (- 0.3 and - 0.3), and disc degeneration (- 0.4 and 0.3).

CONCLUSION

In AIS patients with TL/L curves, the flexibility of L4/5 disc wedging and the lumbar lateral ROM were significantly correlated with LBP and disc degeneration, independent of the magnitudes of the coronal deformities. Our findings indicate that maintaining or improving lumbar flexibility may be beneficial for preventing or treating LBP.

Clinical outcome following decompression and short or long instrumented fusion in lumbar degenerative spinal stenosis. A prospective case-control analysis

OBJECTIVES

There is limited data on the direct clinical comparison between short and long fusion following surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. The hypothesis that regardless their baseline characteristics and morbidity, clinical outcome is similar in patients with lumbar stenosis treated with decompression plus posterior instrumented fusion in one or two versus three to five levels was tested.

METHODS

Subjects were divided into Group A and Group B corresponding to stenotic pathology and instrumented fusion in one or two levels and three to five levels, respectively. Primary outcome measures at one year were the change in SF-36 physical component (PCS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures included the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the mental component (MCS) of SF-36 scale and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Seventy seven (77) patients were included (Group A, n = 42; Group B, n = 35). Patients in Group B were older, surgery lasted longer and intraoperative blood loss was greater than patients in Group A (p < 0.05). A significant clinical improvement was noted in both Groups on all scales (p < 0.01). Clinical outcome at one year was equally favorable in both Groups (p > 0.05). The evaluation of depression for Group A showed a significant improvement at one year (p = 0.02) compared to the preoperative status.

CONCLUSIONS

Older individuals are more likely to have multilevel stenosis and more co-morbidities and they were associated with longer instrumentation. However, complications are similar and clinical outcome is equally favorable compared to short instrumented fusion for fewer levels of disease.

Relief of Low Back Pain After Posterior Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to confirm that decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) relieves low back pain (LBP) as adequately as it relieves leg pain and to identify predictors for inadequate LBP relief.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although decompression for LSS is generally thought to yield worse results for LBP than for leg pain, some studies have reported similar improvements in pain scores between LBP and leg pain. To treat LBP or take measures to prevent inadequate LBP relief, reliable predictors for LBP relief should be identified.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 175 patients who underwent posterior element-preserving decompression and evaluated the relief of LBP and leg pain using numeric rating scales (NRSs). Associations between demographic, clinical, or imaging parameters and LBP relief at 1 and 4 years were analyzed by stepwise linear regression analyses. The imaging parameters included Modic change type 1, disc degeneration, foraminal stenosis, vertebral slipping (within Grade 1), scoliosis (<15°) and lordosis.

RESULTS

The mean improvements in LBP and leg pain NRS scores from baseline were 5.22 and 4.70 points (P = 0.064, paired t test) at 1 year and 5.12 and 4.62 points (P = 0.068) at 4 years, respectively. Poor LBP scores at 4 years were significantly associated with long-lasting LBP (beta = 0.31, P < 0.0001) and moderate or severe arm symptoms with cervical spinal cord compression or intramedullary hyperintense signal on T2-weighted MRI (beta = 0.22, P = 0.0014). The imaging parameters of the lumbar spine failed to show clear associations with poor LBP scores at 4 years, although Modic change type 1 showed a significant association with poor LBP scores at 1 year (beta = 0.28, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Posterior decompression relieves LBP as well as leg pain. Long-lasting LBP and concurrent symptomatic cervical myelopathy are important predictors for inadequate LBP relief. There were no reliable imaging parameters predictive of inadequate LBP relief.Level of Evidence: 4.

The Association Between Sagittal Plane Alignment and Disc Space Narrowing of Lumbar Spine in Farmers

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether lumbar lordosis (LL) and lumbar segmental lordosis (LSL) are related to sex, age, low back pain (LBP), and lumbar disc space narrowing (DSN).

METHODS

A total of 569 farmers were recruited. In lateral spine radiograph, LL (L1-L5) and LSL (L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5) were measured using Cobb's method. The differences in LSL values (ΔLSL) according to the presence or absence of a DSN were calculated as LSLDSN - LSLnoDSN for each DSN level.

RESULTS

In male, the lateral spine radiograph showed significantly greater L4-LSL and L5-LSL and smaller L1-LSL and L2-LSL compared to female. LLs in the 50-59 and ≥60 years age groups were significantly smaller compared to those in the <50 years age group. In subjects with LBP, LL and L4-LSL were significantly smaller than in those without. The ΔLSLs at the disc level with DSN showed the greatest decrease: L1-ΔLSL (Δ-3.99°), L2-ΔLSL (Δ-3.31°), L3-ΔLSL (Δ-2.87°), L4-ΔLSL (Δ-3.31°), and L5-ΔLSL (Δ-4.44°) in L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 DSN, respectively. Conversely, distant ΔLSLs were inversely increased: L1-LSL (Δ0.75°) with L4/5 DSN and L2-LSL (Δ0.94°) with L5/S1 DSN.

CONCLUSION

Sagittal plane alignment was significantly associated with sex, age, LBP, and DSN. LSLs around the levels of DSN were decreased, and there was compensational increase of LSL distant to the DSN to maintain the overall LL.

The association of reactive balance control and spinal curvature under lumbar muscle fatigue

Background

Although low back fatigue is an important intervening factor for physical functioning among sedentary people, little is known about its possible significance in relation to the spinal posture and compensatory postural responses to unpredictable stimuli. This study investigates the effect of lumbar muscle fatigue on spinal curvature and reactive balance control in response to externally induced perturbations.

Methods

A group of 38 young sedentary individuals underwent a perturbation-based balance test by applying a 2 kg load release. Sagittal spinal curvature and pelvic tilt was measured in both a normal and Matthiass standing posture both with and without a hand-held 2 kg load, and before and after the Sørensen fatigue test.

Results

Both the peak anterior and peak posterior center of pressure (CoP) displacements and the corresponding time to peak anterior and peak posterior CoP displacements significantly increased after the Sørensen fatigue test (all at p < 0.001). A lumbar muscle fatigue led to a decrease of the lumbar lordosis in the Matthiass posture while holding a 2 kg load in front of the body when compared to pre-fatigue conditions both without a load (p = 0.011, d = 0.35) and with a 2 kg load (p = 0.000, d = 0.51). Also the sacral inclination in the Matthiass posture with a 2 kg additional load significantly decreased under fatigue when compared to all postures in pre-fatigue conditions (p = 0.01, d = 0.48). Contrary to pre-fatigue conditions, variables of the perturbation-based balance test were closely associated with those of lumbar curvature while standing in the Matthiass posture with a 2 kg additional load after the Sørensen fatigue test (r values in range from −0.520 to −0.631, all at p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that lumbar muscle fatigue causes changes in the lumbar spinal curvature and this is functionally relevant in explaining the impaired ability to maintain balance after externally induced perturbations. This emphasizes the importance for assessing both spinal posture and reactive balance control under fatigue in order to reveal their interrelations in young sedentary adults and predict any significant deterioration in later years.

Endogenous Modulation of Pain: The Role of Exercise, Stress, and Cognitions in Humans

BACKGROUND

Pain is a complex and highly subjective phenomenon that can be modulated by several factors. On the basis of results from experimental and clinical studies, the existence of endogenous pain modulatory mechanisms that can increase or diminish the experience of pain is now accepted.

METHODS

In this narrative review, the pain modulatory effects of exercise, stress, and cognitions in humans are assessed.

RESULTS

Experimental studies on the effect of exercise have revealed that pain-free participants show a hypoalgesic response after exercise. However, in some patients with chronic pain, this response is reduced or even hyperalgesic in nature. These findings will be discussed from a mechanistic point of view. Stress is another modulator of the pain experience. Although acute stress may induce hypoalgesia, ongoing clinical stress has detrimental effects on pain in many patients with chronic pain conditions, which have implications for the understanding, assessment, and treatment of stress in patients with pain. Finally, cognitive strategies play differing roles in pain inhibition. Two intuitive strategies, thought suppression and focused distraction, will be reviewed as regards experimental, acute, and chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of current knowledge on the role of exercise, stress, and cognitive pain control strategies on the modulation of pain, implications for treatment will be discussed.

Trunk muscle endurance, strength and flexibility in rural subsistence farmers and urban industrialized adults in western Kenya

OBJECTIVES

High trunk muscle endurance, strength, and moderate flexibility reportedly help maintain musculoskeletal health, but there is evidence for tradeoffs among these variables as well as sex differences in trunk muscle endurance and strength. To test if these observations extend similarly to both men and women in nonindustrial and industrial environments, we investigated intra-individual associations and group and sex differences in trunk muscle endurance, strength, and flexibility among 74 (35 F, 39 M; age range: 18-61 years) adults from the same Kalenjin-speaking population in western Kenya. We specifically compared men and women from an urban community with professions that do not involve manual labor with rural subsistence farmers, including women who frequently carry heavy loads.

METHODS

Trunk muscle endurance, strength, and flexibility were measured with exercise tests and electromyography (EMG).

RESULTS

We found a positive correlation between trunk extensor strength and endurance (R = .271, p ≤ .05) and no associations between strength or endurance and flexibility. Rural women had higher trunk extensor and flexor endurance, EMG-determined longissimus lumborum endurance, and trunk extensor strength than urban women (all p ≤ .05). Rural women had higher trunk extensor and flexor endurance than rural men (both p ≤ .05). Urban women had lower trunk flexor and extensor endurance than urban men (both p ≤ .01).

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of physical activity among nonindustrial subsistence farmers, particularly head carrying among women, appear to be associated with high trunk muscle endurance and strength, which may have important benefits for helping maintain musculoskeletal health.

Genetic and environmental effects on lumbar posture, flexibility and motion control in healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Although alterations in posture, flexibility, and motion control of the lumbar spine are associated with low back pain, the underlying interplay between genetic and environmental influences on these traits remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which genetics and the environment influence lumbar lordosis, flexibility, and motion control.

DESIGN

The present cross-sectional and observational study employed the classic twin design with structural equation models.

METHODS

An inertial measurement unit with a wireless movement analysis system, the ViMove (DorsaVi, Melbourne, Australia) was used to measure lumbar lordosis, flexibility, and motion control during range of motion and functional tests. Intraclass correlation was used to determine twin resemblance for the traits. Heritability (genetic influence on trait variation) of lumbar lordosis, flexibility and motion control was estimated from 52 healthy twins, 34 monozygotic and 18 dizygotic using age and sex adjusted univariate genetic models.

RESULTS

A strong heritability estimate was found in lumbar lordosis (77%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 38%-91%) in standing, followed by lumbar flexibility (67%, 95% CI: 32%-85%) in the sagittal plane. No significant intraclass correlations were found in monozygotic twin pairs for lumbar motion control or in dizygotic twin pairs during the hurdle step and in-line lunge test.

CONCLUSION

Genetic factors appear to have a substantial influence on lumbar lordosis and lumbar sagittal flexibility. Lumbar motion control may be more influenced by environmental factors.

Physical activity and low back pain in children and adolescents: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Due to a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among children and adolescents, it is significant to seek effective prevention and therapeutic procedures. One idea for the programmes is a potential relation between the occurrence of LBP and the level of physical activity. The aim of this review was to analyse the current knowledge regarding the association between physical activity and LBP among children and adolescents.

METHODS

Publications were retrieved by searching the following databases: PubMed, The Cochrane library, Web of Science, Medline and SportDiscus with Full Text (EBSCO). The search strategy included keywords related to physical activity and LBP. The studies included were assessed for methodological quality. PRISMA guidelines were followed for the systematic review.

RESULTS

The total sample size of the nine included studies consisted of 75,233 subjects, with an age range of 9-19 years. All the studies were assessed to be of high quality. One cohort study and five cross-sectional studies found the association between physical activity and LBP in children and adolescents. The remaining studies found no relationship between physical activity and LBP. These findings showed that both extremes of activity levels (i.e. being very low and very high physically active) are associated with LBP.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate evidence for the association between physical activity and LBP in children and adolescents. The results highlight the need for continued research. It seems that for clear evaluation of the analysed association the prospective cohort studies should be conducted.

Effect of Chronic Low Back Pain on Lumbar Spine Lordosis During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate lumbar lordosis during sit-to-stand (STS) and stand-to-sit (SIT) in individuals with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). The second objective was to investigate sex-related differences in lumbar lordosis.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with CNLBP and 26 controls were recruited. Controls were matched with cases using a frequency matching method. Reflective markers were placed over the spinous process of T₁₂, L₃, S₂, and the anterior and posterior superior iliac spines. The participants were instructed to stand up at a self-selected pace and maintain their normal upright standing posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic data were recorded at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz using a motion capture system. Lumbar lordosis angle was calculated from the intersection between the line joining T₁₂ and L₃, and the line joining L₃ to S₂.

RESULTS

Lumbar lordosis was decreased in patients with CNLBP during STS and SIT compared with the asymptomatic group (mean difference = 2.68°-9.32°; P ≤ .005). Furthermore, no differences were seen in lumbar lordosis at starting position between CNLBP and asymptomatic groups during STS and SIT (mean difference = 2.68°-3.75°; P ≥ .099). Interestingly, the magnitude of the effect size suggested that the difference in lumbar lordosis values between female and male participants was relatively large (Cohen's d = -1.81 to 0.20).

CONCLUSION

Decreased lumbar lordosis in patients with CNLBP during STS and SIT could be considered as an important point during rehabilitation. Moreover, the present study showed that there is a sex-related difference among women and men in lumbar lordosis during STS and SIT tasks.

Lumbar lordosis as tool to assess the level of pain in patients with low back pain after lumbar disc herniation

Background

It is presently unknown if lumbar lordosis (LL) might be applied to monitor low back pain (LBP) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). There is presently only conflicting data that does not show a correlation of LL with LBP: Previous studies do either include chronic LBP or do not consider that each patient has an individual value of LL that cannot be compared to other patients.

Methods

Power analysis: At least 32 patients had to be enrolled in the study. Out of 84 consecutive patients with acute onset of pain (<6 weeks) that were treated operatively from 11/2015 to 04/2017 by microscopic laminotomy for LDH, 35 were enrolled in this retrospective within - subject analysis after exclusion of patients with chronic LBP or severe disc degeneration of the lumbar spine. We recorded self - reported assessment of pain (VAS) and LL before the operation, 1 week and 6 weeks after the operation. We performed a paired - samples t - test (within - subject) to compare means of LL at admission to our institution with LL 6 weeks after surgery. Pearson's correlation was determined for LL and VAS. Significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

VAS at admission to our institution was 7.1 (0.4), VAS 6 weeks after surgery was 1.0 (0.3).LL at admission to our institution was 40.0 (2.1), LL 6 weeks after surgery was 48.0 (1.8). The difference was significant (p < 0.0005) with a high statistical power (1-β = 0.99).Correlation of LL and VAS was significant (p < 0.01, r = -0.32).

Conclusions

The increase of lumbar lordosis following surgery is significantly correlated to the decrease in the level of perceived pain in patients with a LDH and may be used as an additional tool to monitor the success of treatment in the investigated group of patients.

Analysis of Lumbar Sagittal Curvature in Spinal Decompression and Fusion for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients under Roussouly Classification

To evaluate the clinical significance of spinal decompression and fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis in old patients under Roussouly classification, 160 old patients (>60 year old) with lumbar spinal stenosis underwent spinal decompression, and fusion were retrospectively studied. According to Roussouly classification, patients were divided into 4 groups, in which Roussouly types I, II, and IV were the nonstandard group and Roussouly type III was the standard group. Visual analog scale (waist, leg) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded before operation and at the final follow-up. All patients improved the sagittal curvature: for patients in Roussouly types I and II, there were statistically significant differences in terms of postoperative global lordosis (GL), global kyphosis (GK), sacral slope (SS), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and pelvic tilt (PT) compared with that before surgery (all P < 0.001); patients in Roussouly type IV obtained similar results with type III after surgery. The four groups showed significant improvement in ODI and VAS scores at final follow-up (all P < 0.001). After regrouping at the final follow-up, the proportion of the standard type (Roussouly type III) patients was increased compared with preoperative. In conclusion, Roussouly classification has important guiding significance in spinal decompression and fusion for old patients (>60 years) with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Evaluation and management of paediatric and adolescent back pain: Epidemiology, presentation, investigation, and clinical management: A narrative review

This narrative review will summarise a clinical approach to the investigation of back pain in children and adolescent patients, including a discussion of the epidemiology, presentation, investigation and clinical management of back pain in children and adolescents. This will assist the prompt and accurate diagnosis of spinal disorders that require significant medical intervention. Existing evidence suggests a relatively high incidence of non-specific back pain among young people; 27-48% of presentations of back pain in children and adolescents are attributed to non-specific back pain. Low back pain among schoolchildren is often linked to psychosocial factors and only occasionally requires medical attention, as pain is benign and self-limiting. Nonetheless, those young patients who seek medical assistance exhibit a higher incidence of organic conditions underlying the major symptom of spinal pain. A cautious and comprehensive strategy - including a detailed history, examination, radiographic imaging and diagnostic laboratory studies - should be employed, which must be accurate, reliable, consistent and reproducible in identifying spinal pathologies. A specific diagnosis can be reached in 52-73% of the cases. For cases in which a specific diagnosis cannot be made, re-evaluation after a period of observation is recommended. At this later stage, minor symptoms unrelated to underlying pathology will resolve spontaneously, whereas serious pathologies will advance and become easily identified.

Back pain occurrence and treatment-seeking behavior among nurses: the role of work-related emotional burden

PURPOSE

To assess the association of back pain and treatment-seeking behavior for such pain with work-related emotional burden (regret about care), regret coping strategies, and physical burden among newly practicing nurses.

METHODS

We used data from the Impact of Care-related Regret Upon Sleep (ICARUS) cohort collected between 05.2017 and 07.2018 using web-based surveys (weekly for measures of emotional burden, physical burden and coping strategies, and monthly for back pain and seeking care). We investigated immediate associations and temporal influences between burdens and back pain with linear mixed models and cross-lagged Bayesian models, respectively. Coefficients were standardized to allow comparison between burdens. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of burdens with seeking care.

RESULTS

Among 105 nurses with an average follow-up of 3 months, 80 reported at least one episode of back pain. Neither physical nor emotional burdens had an immediate association with back pain. However, number of days with back pain in a given month was associated with an increase in both burdens during the previous month, with similar degrees of association (emotional: b = 0.24, physical: b = 0.21). Decision to seek treatment was associated with an increase in back pain frequency (OR 1.12, p = 0.04) and intensity (OR 1.80, p = 0.002) and a decrease in emotional burden (OR 0.95, p = 0.03). Coping strategies were associated neither with the occurrence of back pain nor with care-seeking.

CONCLUSION

While both emotional and physical burdens were associated with increased frequency of back pain the following month, emotional burden additionally showed a negative association with the decision to seek care.

Development and validation of a pre-scoring system for nonspecific low back pain among general population in Guangzhou: a cross-sectional study

Background

Nonspecific Low Back Pain (NLBP) is a common disease with a low cure rate and significant impact on the population. This study aimed to develop and validate a pre-scoring system for identifying the risk of suffering from NLBP among the general population in Guangzhou.

Methods

A total of 1439 eligible subjects were surveyed in Guangzhou by stratified random sampling and was divided randomly into the development dataset (69.6%) and validation dataset (30.4%) subsequently. Based on the development dataset, potential associated factors (average exercise times weekly, the intensity of daily work, etc.) with NLBP were tested by the sequential logistic regression, and a pre-scoring system was formulated with Sullivan’s method and graded afterward. The internal validity of the system was assessed by AUC and calibration plot, and the external validation was performed in the validation dataset.

Results

The prevalence rates of NLBP in the development dataset and the validation dataset were 12.97 and 13.27%, respectively. Age, BMI, average exercise times weekly, gender, educational level, the intensity of daily work, place of residence, monthly income, overall evaluation of health condition and physiology health were identified as significant factors. The total risk score ranged from 0 to 38, which was split into three risk grades: low risk (0 to 18), intermediate risk (19 to 22) and high risk (23 to 38). The pre-scoring system had an adequate calibration and a good discriminating ability with bootstrap-corrected AUC equaling 0.861 in the development dataset and 0.821 in the validation dataset.

Conclusions

A pre-scoring system that could help clinicians to assess the risk of NLBP in the general population was validated. Further validation of the system in a new population or prospective cohort study is suggested.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7564-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Risk factors for episodes of back pain in emerging adults. A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a sensitive period in life for health outcomes, including back pain. The objective was to synthesize evidence on risk factors for new episodes of back pain in emerging adults (18-29 years).

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016046635). We searched Medline; EMBASE; AMED and other databases up to September 2018 for prospective cohort studies that estimated the association between risk factor(s) and self-reported back pain. Risk factors could be measured before or during the age range 18-29 years, and back pain could be measured during or after this age range, with at least 12 months between assessments. Risk factors assessed in ≥3 studies were summarized. Risk of bias was assessed using a 6-item checklist.

RESULTS

Forty-nine studies were included with more than 150 different risk factors studied. Nine studies had low risk of bias, 26 had moderate and 14 had high risk of bias. Age, sex, height, body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity level, a history of back pain, job satisfaction and structural imaging findings were investigated in three or more studies. History of back pain was the only risk factor consistently associated with back pain after adjustment (nine studies).

CONCLUSION

There is moderate quality evidence that a history of back pain is a risk factor for back pain. There are inconsistent associations for age, sex, height, BMI, smoking and activity level. No associations were found between job satisfaction and structural imaging findings and back pain.

SIGNIFICANCE

Emerging adulthood is a transitional period of life with changes in life style, potentially influencing future musculoskeletal health. This systematic review included 49 articles evaluating more than 150 potential risk factors for back pain, one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders. No consistent results were found for life style factors such as physical activity level or BMI, both highlighted as important risk factors in previous literature. Importantly, a previous episode of back pain was a consistent risk factor for a new episode of back pain across several studies, and further investigation of risk factors for the first back pain episode is needed.

Is there an association between hip range of motion and nonspecific low back pain? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review whether there is an association between hip range of motion (ROM) and nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, PsychINFO, CINAHL and AMED databases were searched from year of inception until October 31st, 2018, using a combination of LBP and hip joint search terms. Commonly cited journals were also hand searched within the previous two years.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers independently screened identified articles, by title and abstract and then by full-text. After first round screening of 2908 identified records, 248 progressed to full-text screening. Due to the heterogeneity of studies identified, post hoc inclusion criteria of English language, studies comparing subjects with NSLBP and healthy controls, cross-sectional design, and clinical measures of hip ROM were applied. Twenty-four records were finally included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Extracted data included population characteristics, duration and severity of NSLBP, hip movement direction, testing position, measurement tool and between-group difference. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess for study bias.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Hip flexion ROM was measured in seven studies, extension in 13, internal rotation (IR) in 14, external rotation (ER) in 13, abduction in six, and adduction in only two studies. Among all directions tested, IR ROM was reported in more studies as significantly reduced in NSLBP subjects compared to healthy individuals. Overall the quality of evidence was very low. Common sources of study bias included lack of sample size justification, blinding of outcome assessors, adjusting for key confounders, and poor reporting.

CONCLUSION

There is very low-quality evidence to support an association between limited hip ROM and NSLBP. Limited hip IR ROM was the only movement impairment found to be significantly associated with NSLBP, however this should be viewed with caution due to the low-quality supportive evidence. Further studies are needed.

A longitudinal observational study of back pain incidence, risk factors and occupational physical activity in Swedish marine trainees

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) and LBP that limits work ability, to identify their potential early risks and to quantify occupational physical activity in Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF) marines during their basic 4 month marine training course.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study with weekly follow-ups.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-three SwAF marines entering the training course.

OUTCOMES

Incident of LBP and its related effect on work-ability and associated early risks. Occupational physical activity, as monitored using accelerometers and self-reports.

RESULTS

During the training course, 68% of the marines experienced at least one episode of LBP. This yielded a LBP and LBP limiting work ability incidence rate of 13.5 (95% CI 10.4 to 17.8) and 6.3 (95% CI 4.2 to 10.0) episodes per 1000 person-days, respectively. Previous back pain and shorter body height (≤1.80 m) emerged as independent risks for LBP (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.3; HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3, respectively), as well as for LBP that limited work ability (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.9; HR 4.5, 95% CI 2.0 to 10.0, respectively). Furthermore, managing fewer than four pull-ups emerged as a risk for LBP (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.0), while physical training of fewer than three sessions per week emerged as a risk for LBP that limited work ability (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.4). More than 80% of the work time measured was spent performing low levels of ambulation, however, combat equipment (≥17.5 kg) was carried for more than half of the work time.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidents of LBP are common in SwAF marines' early careers. The link between LBP and previous pain as well as low levels of exercise highlights the need for preventive actions early on in a marine's career. The role of body height on LBP needs further investigation, including its relationship with body-worn equipment, before it can effectively contribute to LBP prevention.

Multi-segment spine range of motion in dancers with and without recent low back pain

BACKGROUND

Altered spine kinematics are a common in people with LBP. This may be especially true for populations such as dancers, who are required to perform repetitive movements of the spine, although this remains unclear.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do dancers with recent LBP display altered spine kinematics compared to their asymptomatic counterparts?

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of multi-segment spine kinematics was performed. Forty-seven pre-professional and professional female dancers either with LBP in the past two months (n = 26) or no LBP in the past 12 months (n = 21) participated. Range of motion (ROM) during standing side bending, seated rotation, and walking gait were compared.

RESULTS

Female dancers with LBP displayed reduced upper lumbar transverse plane ROM in seated rotation (Effect Size (ES)= -0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -1.20, 0.02, p = 0.04), as well as reduced lower lumbar transverse plane ROM (ES=-0.65, 95% CI: -1.24, -0.06, p = 0.03) in gait. However, there was increased lower thoracic transverse plane ROM (ES = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.21, p = 0.04) during gait. No differences in the frontal plane were observed.

SIGNIFICANCE

Altered transverse plane spine kinematics were evident in dancers with recent LBP for select segments and tasks. This may reflect a protective movement strategy. However, as the effect sizes of observed differences were moderate, and the total number of differences between groups was small, collectively, it seems only subtle differences in spine kinematics differentiate dancers with LBP to dancers without.

Prevalence of back pain and the knowledge of preventive measures in a cohort of 11619 Polish school-age children and youth-an epidemiological study

The study sought to characterize back pain (BP) (in the period of 12 months) in children and youth aged 10 to 19 from eastern Poland.The study included 11619 children and youth (6254 girls and 5365 boys) aged 10 to 19 from eastern Poland. An original questionnaire was applied as a research tool. Before the study, the reliability of the questionnaire had been assessed. The Kappa coefficient value for all the analyzed variables was equal to or higher than 0.91.Over 74.4% of the respondents admitted that within the last 12 months, they had experienced BP which was usually located in the lumbar spine (55.8%). The percentage of individuals reporting BP increased with age of participants. Girls reported BP more often than boys (82.8% vs 64.3%). The main circumstances in which BP occurred included lifting heavy objects, carrying school backpack and maintaining a sedentary position (70.7% vs 67.4% vs 67.8%). Over 67% of the respondents declared they did not know ergonomic principles.High prevalence of BP was noted. The declared BP was mainly located in the lumbar spine. Girls reported BP more often than boys. The students presented a very low level of knowledge about ergonomics. Therefore, the appropriate education should be included at school.

The Epidemiology of Low Back Pain and Injury in Dance: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Dance is a physical pursuit that involves loading the spine through repetitive dynamic movements and lifting tasks. As such, low back pain (LBP) and low back injury (LBI) have been identified as common health problems in contemporary and classical ballet dancers. However, clarity regarding the experience of LBP and LBI in dance is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and synthesize the epidemiology of LBP and LBI in dance populations.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of 6 electronic databases, back catalogs of dance science-specific journals, and reference lists of relevant articles and a forward citation search were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty full-text articles were included in the final systematic review. There was considerable methodological heterogeneity among the included studies. The median (range) point, yearly, and lifetime prevalence of LBP was 27% (17%-39%), 73% (41%-82%), and 50% (17%-88%), respectively. The lower back contributed to 11% (4%-22%) of time loss and 11% (5%-23%) of medical-attention injuries.

CONCLUSION

Dancers are vulnerable to LBP and LBI. The use of definitions that are sensitive to the complexity of LBP and LBI would facilitate improved understanding of the problem within dance, inform health care strategies, and allow for monitoring LBP-specific intervention outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(4):239-252. Epub 18 Jan 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8609.

Multi-segment spine kinematics: Relationship with dance training and low back pain

BACKGROUND

Spine posture, range of motion (ROM) and movement asymmetry can contribute to low back pain (LBP). These variables may have greater impact in populations required to perform repetitive spine movements, such as dancers; however, there is limited evidence to support this.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the influence of dance and LBP on spinal kinematics?

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, multi-segment spinal kinematics were examined in 60 female participants, including dancers (n = 21) and non-dancers (n = 39) with LBP (n = 33) and without LBP (n = 27). A nine-camera motion analysis system sampling at 100 Hz was used to assess standing posture, as well as ROM and movement asymmetry for side bend and trunk rotation tasks. A two-way ANOVA was performed for each of the outcome variables to detect any differences between dancers and non-dancers, or individuals with and without LBP.

RESULTS

Compared to non-dancers, dancers displayed a flatter upper lumbar angle when standing (p < 0.01, ηp² = 0.15), and achieved greater frontal plane ROM for the upper lumbar (p = 0.04, ηp² = 0.08) and lower thoracic (p = 0.02, ηp² = 0.09) segments. There were no differences between dancers and non-dancers for transverse plane ROM (p > 0.05) or movement asymmetry (p > 0.05). There was no main effect for LBP symptoms on any kinematic measures, and no interaction effect for dance group and LBP on spinal kinematics (p > 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

Female dancers displayed a flatter spine posture and increased spine ROM compared to non-dancers for a select number of spine segments and movement tasks. However, the overall number of differences was small, and no relationship was observed between LBP and spinal kinematics. This suggests that these simple, static posture, ROM, and asymmetry measures often used in clinical practice can provide only limited generalisable information about the impact of dance or LBP on spinal kinematics.

Biomechanics of Back Pain

This paper offers a mechanistic account of back pain which attempts to incorporate all of the most important recent advances in spinal research. Anatomical and pain-provocation studies show that severe and chronic back pain most often originates in the lumbar intervertebral discs, the apophyseal joints, and the sacroiliac joints. Psychosocial factors influence many aspects of back pain behaviour but they are not important determinants of who will experience back pain in the first place. Back pain is closely (but not invariably) associated with structural pathology such as intervertebral disc prolapse and endplate fractures, although age-related biochemical changes such as those revealed by a ‘dark disc’ on MRI have little clinical relevance. All features of structural pathology (including disc prolapse) can be re-created in cadaveric specimens by severe or repetitive mechanical loading, with a combination of bending and compression being particularly harmful to the spine. Structural disruption alters the mechanical environment of disc cells in a manner that leads to cell-mediated degenerative changes, and animal experiments confirm that surgical disruption of a disc is followed by widespread disc degeneration. Some people are more vulnerable to spinal degeneration than others, largely because of their genetic inheritance. Age-related biochemical changes and loading history can also affect tissue vulnerability. Finally the concept of ‘functional pathology’ is introduced, according to which, back pain can arise because postural habits generate painful stress concentrations within innervated tissues, even though the stresses are not high enough to cause physical disruption.

Prefabricated foot orthoses compared to a placebo intervention for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Prefabricated foot orthoses are used to treat chronic nonspecific low back pain, however their effectiveness and potential mechanism of action is unclear. The primary aims of the study are to investigate the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthotic devices for reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain over 52 weeks.

METHODS

This study is a participant and assessor blinded, parallel-group, superiority randomised (1:1) controlled trial. The study will recruit 60 participants aged 18 to 65 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Participants will undergo randomisation to a control group (The Back Book) or an intervention group (prefabricated foot orthoses and The Back Book). The primary outcome measures will be change in pain and function from baseline to 12 (primary time point), 26, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include: gluteus medius muscle activity and transversus abdominis muscle thickness from baseline to 12 weeks, physical activity over 12, 26, and 52 weeks, and correlation between foot type and change in measures of pain and function. Number of hours per day and week that the prefabricated orthoses are worn, as well as, adverse events will be self-reported by participants. Data will be analysed using the intention-to-treat principle.

DISCUSSION

This trial will primarily evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthotic devices for reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain over 52 weeks. It is expected that this study will provide clinicians and researchers with an understanding of the role that prefabricated foot orthoses may have in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain and a potential mechanism of action, and whether foot type influences the outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12618001298202.

Risk Factors Associated With Low Back Pain in Golfers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context:

Low back pain is common in golfers. The risk factors for golf-related low back pain are unclear but may include individual demographic, anthropometric, and practice factors as well as movement characteristics of the golf swing.

Objective:

The aims of this systematic review were to summarize and synthesize evidence for factors associated with low back pain in recreational and professional golfers.

Data Sources:

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus electronic databases through September 2017.

Study Selection:

Studies were included if they quantified demographic, anthropometric, biomechanical, or practice variables in individuals with and without golf-related low back pain.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Data Extraction:

Studies were independently reviewed for inclusion by 2 authors, and the following data were extracted: characterization of low back pain, participant demographics, anthropometrics, biomechanics, strength/flexibility, and practice characteristics. The methodological quality of studies was appraised by 3 authors using a previously published checklist. Where possible, individual and pooled effect sizes of select variables of interest were calculated for differences between golfers with and without pain.

Results:

The search retrieved 73 articles, 19 of which met the inclusion criteria (12 case-control studies, 5 cross-sectional studies, and 2 prospective longitudinal studies). Methodological quality scores ranged from 12.5% to 100.0%. Pooled analyses demonstrated a significant association between increased age and body mass and golf-related low back pain in cross-sectional/case-control studies. Prospective data indicated that previous history of back pain predicts future episodes of pain.

Conclusion:

Individual demographic and anthropometric characteristics may be associated with low back pain, but this does not support a relationship between swing characteristics and the development of golf-related pain. Additional high-quality prospective studies are needed to clarify risk factors for back pain in golfers.

The shape and mobility of the thoracic spine in asymptomatic adults - A systematic review of in vivo studies

A comprehensive knowledge of the thoracic shape and kinematics is essential for effective risk prevention, diagnose and proper management of thoracic disorders and assessment of treatment or rehabilitation strategies as well as for in silico and in vitro models for realistic applications of boundary conditions. After an extensive search of the existing literature, this study summarizes 45 studies on in vivo thoracic kyphosis and kinematics and creates a systematic and detailed database. The thoracic kyphosis over T1-12 determined using non-radiological devices (34°) was relatively less than measured using radiological devices (40°) during standing. The majority of kinematical measurements are based on non-radiological devices. The thoracic range of motion (RoM) was greatest during axial rotation (40°), followed by lateral bending (26°), and flexion (21°) when determined using non-radiological devices during standing. The smallest RoM was identified during extension (13°). The lower thoracic level (T8-12) contributed more to the RoM than the upper (T1-4) and middle (T4-8) levels during flexion and lateral bending. During axial rotation and extension, the middle level (T4-8) contributed the most. Coupled motion was evident, mostly during lateral bending and axial rotation. With aging, the thoracic kyphosis increased by about 3° per decade, whereas the RoM decreased by about 5° per decade for all load directions. These changes with aging mainly occurred in the lower region (T6-12). The influence of sex on thoracic kyphosis and the RoM has been described as partly contradictory. Obesity was found to decrease the thoracic RoM. Studies comparing standing, sitting and lying reported the effect of posture as significant.

Symptoms of Depression and Risk of Low Back Pain: A Prospective Co-Twin Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether symptoms of depression increase the risk of low back pain (LBP), after adjusting for genetic and environmental influences.

METHODS

Baseline data of 1607 twins from the Murcia Twin Registry (Spain) were collected in 2009 to 2011 and follow-up data in 2013. Twins answered questions on depression-related symptomatology and LBP. Only participants not reporting chronic LBP (pain >6 mo) at baseline were included. The association between symptoms of depression and LBP was investigated using logistic regression analysis including the complete sample. Subsequent matched within-pair case-control analyses were performed with all complete dizygotic twin pairs discordant for LBP, followed by monozygotic twins.

RESULTS

In the total sample analysis, symptoms of depression did not significantly increase the risk of chronic LBP (odds ratio [OR]=1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-2.03), LBP care seeking (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 0.81-1.81), or activity-limiting LBP (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 0.69-1.72). State depression (participants' symptoms at the moment of the interview) was significantly associated with future care seeking (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12) and activity-limiting LBP (OR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14). A significant association was found between trait depression and activity-limiting LBP (OR=1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10), but not for the other LBP outcomes. No significant association was observed in any of the subsequent case-control analyses.

DISCUSSION

The magnitude of the association between depression and LBP seems to be small and may be confounded by genetic and early shared environment influences, although firm conclusions could not be made due to small sample size in the case-control analysis. In addition, the observed association is dependent on the method of assessment used for both conditions.

Three-dimensional evaluation of pelvic posture in adolescents with and without a history of low back pain

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) profile of pelvic posture and postural displacements of the pelvis in adolescents with and without a history of low back pain (LBP). Materials and methods: Thirty-two adolescents participated in this study. Participants were asked if they had ever suffered LBP at some point in their lives. Participants were divided into two groups: with a history of LBP (LBP group) and without a history of LBP (control group). For 3D evaluation of pelvic posture, the PosturePrint system was used. Three digital photographs were obtained in an upright stance (anteroposterior, left-right lateral) and analyzed. Postural displacements of the pelvis were calculated as rotations in degrees and translations in millimeters. The posture index, which is the total postural displacements score, was recorded. Results: Overall, 40.6% of the participants reported a history of LBP, while 59.4% of the participants did not. Although the 3D profile of pelvic posture, postural displacements of pelvis, and posture index score were similar between groups, the majority of participants in both groups had altered pelvic and total body posture. Conclusion: The findings suggest that adolescents with LBP have a profile of pelvic posture similar to those of healthy adolescents without a history of LBP.

Thoracic hyperkyphosis non invasively measured by general practitioners is associated with chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study of 1364 subjects

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the association between trunk sagittal posture and nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) by evaluating plumb-line distances in subjects recruited in an everyday clinical setting.

METHODS

Of the 1364 subjects recruited, 63.1% were female (mean age ± SD: 56.2 ± 16.8 years). Subjects were categorized into CLBP and control groups and were prospectively assessed over a 3-month period. They provided information about their daily activities and their history of CLBP. Prognostic factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A physical examination was performed to record demographic (i.e. age, height and weight) and pain characteristics, and the intensity of pain was assessed using a numerical visual analogue scale. Disability was assessed using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). A simple measure generally used for sagittal plane screening purposes during growth was also utilized.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (OR = 1.70), RMDQ score (OR = 0.51) and thoracic hyperkyphosis (C7 + L3 at the plumb-line distance) (OR = 1.57) were associated with CLBP. The final regression model explained 85.6% (R² = 0.56; P < 0.001) of the variability.

CONCLUSIONS

General practitioners can clinically and easily assess trunk posture in subjects with low back pain to identify subjects at higher risk of CLBP.

The distribution of lumbar intervertebral angles in upright standing and extension is related to low back pain developed during standing

BACKGROUND

Lumbar lordosis measures are poorly related to clinical low back pain, however using a controlled exposure such as prolonged standing to identify pain groups may clarify this relationship. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of lumbar intervertebral angles in asymptomatic persons who do (pain developers) and do not (non-pain developers) develop low back pain during standing.

METHODS

Sagittal plane lumbar spine radiographs of eight pain developers and eight non-pain developers were taken in three poses: upright standing, full extension and full flexion. Measures of vertebral end plate orientations from L1 to S1 were taken in each pose to compute: intervertebral angles, contribution of each level to the total curve, total lordosis, ranges of motion, relative pose positioning within the range of motion, vertebral shape, and lumbar spine recurve. Measures were compared between pain groups and lumbar levels.

FINDINGS

Pain group differences in intervertebral angles and level contributions were greatest in the full extension pose, with pain developers having greater contributions from higher lumbar levels and fewer contributions from lower levels than non-pain developers. Pain group differences in intervertebral angle distributions were less pronounced in upright standing and non-existent in full flexion. No other measures differentiated pain groups.

INTERPRETATIONS

Although participants had similar gross-lumbar spine curvature characteristics, non-pain developers have more curvature at lower levels in upright standing and full extension. These differences in regional vertebral kinematics may partially be responsible for standing-induced low back pain.

The relationships between low back pain and lumbar lordosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Clinicians regard lumbar lordotic curvature (LLC) with respect to low back pain (LBP) in a contradictory fashion. The time-honored point of view is that LLC itself, or its increment, causes LBP. On the other hand, recently, the biomechanical role of LLC has been emphasized, and loss of lordosis is considered a possible cause of LBP. The relationship between LLC and LBP has immense clinical significance, because it serves as the basis of therapeutic exercises for treating and preventing LBP.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to (1) determine the difference in LLC in those with and without LBP and (2) investigate confounding factors that might affect the association between LLC and LBP.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The inclusion criteria consisted of observational studies that included information on lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) assessed by radiological image, in both patients with LBP and healthy controls. Studies solely involving pediatric populations, or addressing spinal conditions of nondegenerative causes, were excluded.

METHODS

A systematic electronic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science using terms related to lumbar alignment and Boolean logic was performed: (lumbar lordo*) or (lumbar alignment) or (sagittal alignment) or (sagittal balance). Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated, and chi-square and I² statistics were used to assess within-group heterogeneity by random effects model. Additionally, the age and gender of participants, spinal disease entity, and the severity and duration of LBP were evaluated as possible confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies consisting of 796 patients with LBP and 927 healthy controls were identified. Overall, patients with LBP tended to have smaller LLA than healthy controls. However, the studies were heterogeneous. In the meta-regression analysis, the factors of age, severity of LBP, and spinal disease entity were revealed to contribute significantly to variance between studies. In the subgroup analysis of the five studies that compared patients with disc herniation or degeneration with healthy controls, patients with LBP had smaller LLA (SMD: -0.94, 95% CI: -1.19 to -0.69), with sufficient homogeneity based on significance level of .1 (I²=45.7%, p=.118). In the six age-matched studies, patients with LBP had smaller LLA than healthy controls (SMD: -0.33, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.21), without statistical heterogeneity (I²=0%, p=.916).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates a strong relationship between LBP and decreased LLC, especially when compared with age-matched healthy controls. Among specific diseases, LBP by disc herniation or degeneration was shown to be substantially associated with the loss of LLC.

Correlation between high-intensity zone on MRI and discography in patients with low back pain

The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between high-intensity zone (HIZ) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a lumbar disc and positive pain response assessed by discography for the diagnosis and treatment of discogenic low back pain (LBP). Thirty-seven patients aged 21 to 59 years with chronic LBP but without any neurological symptoms or lumbar disc herniation who underwent MRI and subsequent discography were included in this study. During discography, concordant pain was regarded as positive, whereas discordant pain and no pain were regarded as negative. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) after discography with positive pain response were analyzed to correlate with HIZ on MRI. A total of 98 discs underwent discography in 37 patients; 21 discs presented positive pain response, including 10 with HIZ (47.6%). Seventy-seven discs presented negative pain response, including 29 with HIZ (37.6%). The high grade of annular disruption group shows a high proportion of HIZ on MRI. A positive correlation between HIZ and degree of annular disruption was observed. However, no correlation between HIZ and positive pain response was established on discography. The findings confirm that the presence of HIZ on MRI is only a suggestive and screening iconography indication for the diagnosis of discogenic LBP and cannot replace the gold standard of the discography. MRI should be closely integrated with those of discography, and thus, they play a crucial role in selecting operative segments of multilevel lumbar degenerative disk disease.

The effect of a corrective functional exercise program on postural thoracic kyphosis in teenagers: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a corrective functional exercise program on postural thoracic kyphosis in teenagers in China.

DESIGN

A single-blind randomized controlled trial including students with a thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA) >40° measured using the SpinalMouse.

SETTING

China Institute of Sport Science and three middle schools in Beijing, China.

SUBJECTS

A total of 181 subjects were included in this trial; of these, 164 subjects were included in the analyses (intervention group, n = 81; control group, n = 83).

INTERVENTION

The intervention group received a functional exercise program designed to correct postural thoracic kyphosis, and the control group received an exercise program designed in accordance with the state-regulated curriculum.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary outcome variable was TKA. Secondary outcome variables were lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), sacral angle (SA), and incline angle (INA) measured in the upright position; thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine range of motion (ROM) and INA ROM (change in center of gravity) measured in the forward bending and extended positions; and changes in TKA, LLA, SA, and INA measured during the Matthiass test.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in pretest and posttest TKA in both groups (intervention group: pretest 47.09 ± 5.45, posttest 38.31 ± 9.18, P < 0.0001; control group: pretest 47.47 ± 6.06, posttest 43.59 ± 7.49, P < 0.0001). After adjustment for gender and pretest values, there were significant differences in posttest TKA, change in SA, and thoracic ROM in the intervention group compared to the control group ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The corrective functional exercise program designed for this study improved exaggerated thoracic kyphosis in teenagers.