Relationships between muscular impairments, pain, and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a cross sectional study

Changes in isokinetic trunk muscle strength and endurance after two different restoration programs in people with chronic low back pain: A longitudinal retrospective study

Background

Multidisciplinary functional restoration programs (FRPs) aim to improve pain and function in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The intensity and content of FRPs varies; the benefits of one program over another are unclear.

Objective

To assess changes in trunk muscle strength and endurance after an intensive (IFRP) (for people on sick leave for >6 months with high levels of fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity and work) or semi-intensive (SIFRP) (for people working) FRP in people with CLBP.

Methods

Longitudinal retrospective study from March 2016 to December 2019. Setting: rehabilitation department of a tertiary care center. Trunk flexor and extensor muscle strength (60°.s-1) and endurance (120°.s-1) were measured with the Humac NORM isokinetic dynamometer at pre and post FRP. Change in isokinetic variables (peak torque, total work and flexor/extensor ratio) after each program was assessed with a paired t-test (p < 0.05). Pearson's rho and multiple linear regression assessed associations between changes in isokinetic and clinical variables and demographic characteristics.

Results

125 individuals, 63.2 % female, age 43.5 (10.3) years, were included. Mean low back pain intensity was 49.8 (24.9) and 37.2 (25.8)/100 and mean activity limitation (QBPDS) was 38.8 (16.4) and 32.0 (14.6)/100 in the IFRP and SFRP groups, respectively. Trunk extensor peak torque, flexor total work, extensor total work and flexor/extensor peak ratio improved significantly in both FRPs, p < 0.001. The flexor/extensor total work ratio improved in the IFRP group only, p = 0.003. Trunk extensor endurance increased more in the IFRP than the SIFRP group, the absolute pre-post differences for extensor total work [95%CI] N.m were 611.7 [495.2; 728.3] in the IFRP group and 380.0 [300.8; 459.3] in the SIFRP group. No variables were correlated and none predicted improvement in extensor total work in either group.

Conclusion

This study highlights the short-term independence of clinical and trunk muscle strength and endurance changes.

Prediction of Back Disability Using Clinical, Functional, and Biomechanical Variables in Adults with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Background: Researchers are focusing on understanding the etiology and predisposing factors of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP), a costly prevalent and disabling disorder. Related clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables are often studied, but in isolation. We aimed to identify key factors for managing CNSLBP by examining the relationship between back disability and related clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables and developed prediction models to estimate disability using various variables. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional correlational study on 100 recruited patients with CNSLBP. Clinical variables of pain intensity (visual analog score), back extensor endurance (Sorenson test), functional variables of the back performance scale, 6 min walk test, and the biomechanical variable C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis were analyzed to predict disability (Oswestry disability index). Results: All variables independently, as well as in multi-correlation, were significantly correlated to disability (p < 0.05). The bivariate regression models were significant between back disability and pain intensity (Y = 11.24 + 2.189x), Sorensen results (Y = 105.48 - 0.911x), the back performance scale (Y = 6.65 + 2.486x), 6 min walk test (Y = 49.20 - 0.060x), and sagittal vertical axis (Y = 0.72 + 4.23x). The multi-regression model showed significant contributions from pain (p = 0.001) and Sorensen results (p = 0.028) in predicting back disability, whereas no significant effect was found for other variables. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is essential not only for the management of but also for the assessment of chronic nonspecific low back pain, including its clinical, functional, and biomechanical characteristics. However, special emphasis should be placed on clinical characteristics, including the intensity of pain and back extensor endurance.

The relationships between spinal amplitude of movement, pain and disability in low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The role of spinal movement alterations in low back pain (LBP) remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analyses examined the relationships between spinal amplitude of movement, disability and pain intensity in patients with LBP.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Pedro and Web of Science for relevant articles until 14th March 2023. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies Tool. We analysed the relationships between amplitude of movement, disability and pain intensity with standard correlational meta-analyses and meta-analytic structural equation modelling (MASEM) in cross-sectional and longitudinal data.

RESULTS

A total of 106 studies (9001 participants) were included. In cross-sectional data, larger amplitude of movement was associated with lower disability (pooled coefficient: -0.25, 95% confidence interval: [-0.29 to -0.21]; 69/5899 studies/participants) and pain intensity (-0.13, [-0.17 to -0.09]; 74/5806). An increase in amplitude of movement was associated with a decrease in disability (-0.23, [-0.31 to -0.15]; 33/2437) and pain intensity (-0.25, [-0.33 to -0.17]; 38/2172) in longitudinal data. MASEM revealed similar results and, in addition, showed that amplitude of movement had a very small influence on the pain intensity-disability relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed a significant but small association between amplitude of movement and disability or pain intensity. Moreover, they demonstrated a direct association between an increase in amplitude of movement and a decrease in pain intensity or disability, supporting interventions aiming to reduce protective spinal movements in patients with LBP.

SIGNIFICANCE

The large meta-analyses performed in this work revealed an association between reductions in spinal amplitude of movement and increased levels of disability and pain intensity in people with LBP. Moreover, it highlighted that LBP recovery is associated with a reduction in protective motor behaviour (increased amplitude of movement), supporting the inclusion of spinal movement in the biopsychosocial understanding and management of LBP.

Reliability of Ultrasound Measurements of the Lumbar Multifidus and Transversus Abdominis Muscles during Lying and Unstable Sitting Positions in Individuals With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain

Background

The reliability studies are limited to support ultrasound usage during dynamic conditions; for example, unstable sitting position.

Objective

This study aims to examine the reliability of ultrasound measurements of the lumbar multifidus and transversus abdominis during lying and unstable sitting positions in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and asymptomatic individuals considering abnormal lumbar lordosis.

Material and Methods

In this observational study, intrarater within-day and between-day reliability of muscle thickness and contraction ratio of the lumbar multifidus and transversus abdominis muscles were assessed using ultrasound imaging. In total, 40 participants (27 with CLBP, 13 asymptomatic individuals) with abnormal lumbar lordosis were recruited. The degree of lumbar lordosis has been measured by a flexible ruler. The muscle thickness was assessed at lying and sitting on a gym ball for both muscles in three sessions.

Results

Both groups had well to high ICCs of thickness measurement and contraction ratio in the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles during both static (ICC=0.71-0.99) and semi-dynamic conditions (ICC=0.73-0.98). The standard error of measurements and minimal detectable changes were rather small in both groups.

Conclusion

Ultrasound imaging is a highly reliable method to assess muscle thicknesses and contraction ratio of the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus during different conditions, even in patients with CLBP and abnormal lumbar lordosis.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVERITY OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN IN ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: determining the multidimensional factors associated with the severity of chronic back pain is essential to design appropriate interventions. The objective of this study was to assess the physical and emotional factors associated with the severity of chronic back pain in adults. Method: a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study, carried out between November 2017 and December 2018 in Family Health Strategies, with 198 adults with chronic back pain. Pain severity, assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory, was considered the outcome variable; and the pain interference in daily activities (Brief Pain Inventory), physical disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief) and pain threshold (digital algometer) variables were considered explanatory. A Multivariate Multiple Linear Regression analysis, using the stepwise method with 5% significance, was preformed to establish an explanatory model of pain severity. Results: the mean age was 48.03 years old (standard deviation: 12.41). Most of the participants were women, married and worked. The variables that had a significant and joint impact on pain severity were pain interference in daily activities (parameter: 0.196; p-value<0.001) and in mood (parameter: 0.054; p-value=0.039) and physical domain of quality of life (parameter: -0.032; p-value<0.001). Conclusion: physical factors (pain interference in daily activities and physical domain of quality of life) and emotional factors (pain interference in mood) play an important role in the severity of chronic back pain, which reinforces its multidimensional character.

The influence of physical exercise on behavioral habits, kinesiophobia, and disability in people with low back pain: A retrospective cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Physical exercise improves physical fitness and health, helping to reduce pain and prevent low back pain. This study aims to compare the intensity of low back pain (LBP), behavioral habits, and the level of disability and kinesiophobia among exercising and non-exercising subjects with LBP.

METHODS

Consecutive sample of 102 individuals was divided into exercising group (EG) and non-exercising group (NEG). The data was extracted from the answers to the questionnaires Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument (BackPEI-A), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-Brazil). For statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used, α ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Both groups presented predominance of mild to moderate pain intensity and absence of kinesiophobia in the practice of physical activity, with no statistically significant difference. However, there was significant difference between the groups for the risk of occurrence of LBP and for levels of incapacity and kinesiophobia related to work.

CONCLUSION

Exercising individuals appear to present with a lower risk for occurrence of LBP, lower level of disability, and absence of work-related kinesiophobia.

Effect of Posterior Pelvic Tilt Taping on Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Lumbar Lordosis in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain and Hyperlordosis: A Single-Group, Repeated-Measures Trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of posterior pelvic tilt taping (PPTT) on lumbar lordosis, pain, disability, and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain with hyperlordosis.

METHODS

A prospective, single-group, repeated-measures design was conducted with 31 individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (16 men, 15 women) with hyperlordosis (mean ± SD = 59.3° ± 2.9°). Participants' mean age, pain, disability, and lumbar lordosis were, respectively, 35.7 ± 9.9 years, 5.1 ± 1.3, 26.8 ± 11.5, and 59.3° ± 2.9°. The thickness of the abdominal muscles on both sides was measured in the crook lying position by ultrasound imaging. PPTT was performed on both sides. Pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar lordosis angle, and abdominal muscle thickness were measured before PPTT (W0), 1 week after PPTT (W1), and 1 week after PPTT removal (W2).

RESULTS

Analysis revealed significant reductions in lumbar lordosis, pain, and disability, and increased abdominal muscle thickness, at W1 and W2 compared with W0 (P < .001). There were no significant differences in lumbar lordosis or abdominal muscle thickness between W1 and W2.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed in a small group of participants that 1 week of PPTT may improve lumbar lordosis, pain, disability, and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain with hyperlordosis.

Adaptations in pelvis, hip and knee kinematics during gait and muscle extensibility in low back pain patients: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To compare pelvis, hip and knee kinematics during gait and extensibility of hip muscles between low back pain (LBP) and asymptomatic subjects.

METHODS

Forty adult volunteers (11 men and 29 women) between 18 to 30 years from university population were included in this study. Twenty patients with LBP formed the LBP group, and 20 asymptomatic subjects formed the control group. Pelvic tilt and knee valgus, peak hip and knee joint excursion, and temporo-spatial variables were assessed during gait with Kinovea software. Extensibility of hip muscles was measured by Active Knee Extension test (AKE), modified Ober test, and Thomas test.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in pelvic tilt (p< 0.01), valgus angle (p< 0.01), and a significant decrease in hip extension (p< 0.01) in the LBP group compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in extensibility of the hip flexors (p< 0.05) of the dominant leg and in the hip abductors (p< 0.01) in the LBP group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that non-specific mechanic LBP patients present differences in the pelvis, hip and knee kinematics in sagittal and frontal plane during gait and less hip flexors and abductors muscles extensibility compared to asymptomatic subjects.