ACURÁCIA DE TESTES FUNCIONAIS NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DA PRÉ-ATIVAÇÃO DE MÚSCULOS LOMBOPÉLVICOS

Physical Performance, Anthropometrics and Functional Characteristics Influence the Intensity of Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain in Military Police Officers

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a serious problem in Military Police Officers (MPO), which accounts for up to 45% of the sick leave rates. It has been assumed that the strength and the endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles are CLPB key factors, but it is not known whether these attributes are related to pain intensity. It was aimed to determine whether the strength and endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles differ in MPO with no pain (CON; n = 24), moderate (MOD; n = 42), and severe (SEV; n = 37) nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: The peak torque and endurance test of trunk flexor (PTF.BM⁻¹) and extensor (PTE.BM⁻¹) muscles were compared. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify pain intensity predictors in all groups (PAIN) and according to pain intensity (MOD and SEV). Results: The PTF.BM⁻¹ was negatively related to pain and was a significant predictor, irrespective of pain intensity (PAIN). Conclusion: When pain intensity was considered the PTF.BM⁻¹ and PTE.BM⁻¹ explained the pain in the MOD, while the PTE.BM⁻¹ and service time explained pain intensity in the SEV. Endurance of the flexor and extensor muscles was not related to pain intensity. These results indicated that training protocols must emphasize specific strengthening routines.

Effects of a Pilates protocol in individuals with non-specific low back pain compared with healthy individuals: Clinical and electromyographic analysis

BACKGROUND

Electromyography may be useful for assessing and understanding trunk muscle activation, and Pilates is commonly used as a treatment for low back pain. The objective of this study was to verify electromyography of trunk muscles after a Pilates protocol in individuals with non-specific low back pain and in healthy individuals.

METHODS

Volunteers were divided into two groups: non-specific low back pain (n = 19) and clinically healthy (n = 16) groups. Clinical assessments, classification of patients into subgroups, electromyography evaluations of the right lumbar extensor and right transverse abdominal/internal oblique muscle of the abdomen were performed before and after an 8-week Pilates protocol.

FINDINGS

Comparisons were made before and after the protocol and with the control group. There was significant improvement in pain, flexibility, resistance and strength of trunk muscles. In addition, after the Pilates, there was a decrease in the time elapsed between the onset and peak of lumbar muscle activation during the evaluation of trunk extension in the low back pain group, coming closer to the time of the abdominal muscle, as it also occurred in the control group.

INTERPRETATION

Pilates caused clinical improvement and balanced trunk muscle activation in the low back group, becoming similar to that of the control group. Furthermore, the effects of the proposed protocol were the same between the groups. Thus, Pilates may be indicated for management of non-specific low back pain.