Convergence and Divergence of Exercise-Based Approaches That Incorporate Motor Control for the Management of Low Back Pain

Early functional training is not superior to routine rehabilitation in improving walking distance and multifidus atrophy after lumbar fusion: a randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of early functional training within a 12-week rehabilitation program on walking distance and lumbar multifidus atrophy following lumbar fusion surgery.

METHODS

A total of 52 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery were randomly assigned to either the early functional training group (n = 26) or the routine rehabilitation group (n = 26). The early functional training group (FT group) began a progressive functional training program within the first 12 weeks post-surgery, while the routine rehabilitation group (RH group) started the same training program 12 weeks after surgery. The primary outcome was the walking distance, measured as the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) at the 3-month, and 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscles, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) subscales, including the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS), and the incidence of adverse events. The primary aim was evaluated using a 2-way mixed-model analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with treatment group as the between-subjects factor and time as the within-subjects factor, after adjusting for baseline measures.

RESULTS

Among the total patients, 38 (73.1%) left with at least one follow-up result, and 29 (55.8%) completed all treatment sessions and obtained an MRI assessment. The mixed-model ANCOVA revealed a significant group-by-time interaction for the 6MWD (F = 6.214, p = 0.003). Patients in the FT group demonstrated superior 6MWD compared to the GH group at 3 months (95% CI: 32.51 to 101.88, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the two groups at the 6-month follow-up (95% CI: -15.34 to 54.03, p = 0.271). Regarding secondary outcomes, no significant group-by-time effects were found for ODI (F = 1.221, p = 0.299), PCS (F = 0.166, p = 0.847), or MCS (F = 0.282, p = 0.755). No significant differences were found in the CSA of multifidus muscles between the groups. Nine patients (17.3%) experienced adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Early functional training after lumbar fusion was not superior to routine rehabilitation in improving walking distance, multifidus atrophy, pain, physical function, and quality of life during the 6-month follow-up. Trial registration number (TRN): ChiCTR2300068296.

Exercise Prescription for Patients With Persistent Low Back Pain Who Present With Impaired Lateral Abdominal Muscle Activation: A Delphi Survey

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Exercise is commonly prescribed for patients with low back pain (LBP) and maladaptive changes in lateral abdominal muscle (LAM) activation. The literature has considered various exercise programs, but the evidence has not consistently identified exercise parameters associated with superior outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine how physiotherapists should prescribe exercise for patients with persistent LBP who present with maladaptive LAM activation.

METHODS

This was a three round Delphi survey. The international expert panel comprised physiotherapy clinicians with postgraduate orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapy training. Round 1 included open ended questions. Responses were collated and coded using content analysis. In Rounds 2 and 3, participants were provided with the collated responses and rated their agreement with or chose their preferred options regarding exercise prescription for patients with maladaptive LAM activation. Items were defined as meeting consensus when ≥ 70% of participants agreed/disagreed or chose the same option.

RESULTS

Twenty-three physiotherapists consented to participate. Seventeen, 20 and 15 participants completed Rounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The exercise prescription suggestions consisted of 46 items reaching consensus across the domains of exercise: goals, considerations, agreement on prescribing exercise for the LAM and other muscles, muscle activation during exercise, the exercise prescription and its focus.

DISCUSSION

This study provides clinically informed recommendations for physiotherapists prescribing exercise for patients with persistent LBP and maladaptive LAM activation. Findings align with motor control exercise approaches outlined in the literature. Participants emphasised the consideration of patient preferences and balancing motor control exercise with moderate/vigorous physical activity.

The clinical utility of the prone hip extension test in the diagnosis of motor control impairments associated with low back pain: A cross-sectional study using motion capture and electromyography

BACKGROUND

The prone hip extension test is used as a clinical tool to diagnose specific motor control impairments that have been identified in individuals with chronic low back pain. However, conventional protocols for performing the test are subjective and lack evidence for their effectiveness. The objective of the current study was to quantify lumbopelvic motion and muscle activation during this test and identify which motor control patterns best distinguish individuals with low back pain from asymptomatic controls.

METHODS

18 individuals with sub-acute or chronic low back pain and 32 asymptomatic controls performed the prone hip extension test while a 3D motion capture system measured lumbar and pelvic movement patterns and an electromyography system measured the muscle activation patterns of the paraspinal, gluteus maximus, and hamstring muscles. A three-stage statistical analysis was performed, the final stage being a stepwise logistic regression analysis aimed at identifying the movement and muscle activation pattern variables that best distinguished the two groups.

FINDINGS

The final regression model included three lumbar kinematic variables and several electromyographic amplitude variables for the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles during right-sided prone hip extension. The final model correctly classified 86.7 % of the control group and 83.3 % of the low back pain group.

INTERPRETATION

The subject of asymmetrical gluteus maximus and hamstring muscle activation appears to be a potentially interesting area for future research on the utility of the prone hip extension test as a clinical tool in diagnosing motor control impairments associated with low back pain.

Exercises for the prevention of non-specific low back pain

OBJECTIVES

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To evaluate the effects of exercise alone or exercise plus education compared with inactive control or education alone to prevent non-specific LBP.

Assessment of Spinal and Pelvic Kinematics Using Inertial Measurement Units in Clinical Subgroups of Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer a portable and quantitative solution for clinical movement analysis. However, their application in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) remains underexplored. This study compared the spine and pelvis kinematics obtained from IMUs between individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical subgroups of NSLBP. A total of 81 participants with NSLBP with flexion (FP; n = 38) and extension (EP; n = 43) motor control impairment and 26 controls (No-NSLBP) completed 10 repetitions of spine movements (flexion, extension, lateral flexion). IMUs were placed on the sacrum, fourth and second lumbar vertebrae, and seventh cervical vertebra to measure inclination at the pelvis, lower (LLx) and upper (ULx) lumbar spine, and lower cervical spine (LCx), respectively. At each location, the range of movement (ROM) was quantified as the range of IMU orientation in the primary plane of movement. The ROM was compared between NSLBP and No-NSLBP using unpaired t-tests and across FP-NSLBP, EP-NSLBP, and No-NSLBP subgroups using one-way ANOVA. Individuals with NSLBP exhibited a smaller ROM at the ULx (p = 0.005), LLx (p = 0.003) and LCx (p = 0.01) during forward flexion, smaller ROM at the LLx during extension (p = 0.03), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.003). Those in the EP-NSLBP group had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at LLx during forward flexion (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.005), extension (p = 0.013), and lateral flexion (p = 0.038), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.005). Those in the FP-NSLBP subgroup had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at the ULx during forward flexion (p = 0.024). IMUs detected variations in kinematics at the trunk, lumbar spine, and pelvis among individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical NSLBP subgroups during flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. These findings consistently point to reduced ROM in NSLBP. The identified subgroup differences highlight the potential of IMU for assessing spinal and pelvic kinematics in these clinically verified subgroups of NSLBP.

How to tackle non-specific low back pain among adult patients? A systematic review with a meta-analysis to compare four interventions

OBJECTIVE

To tackle non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) among patients and find the most effective solution and to quantitatively synthesize the overall effect of motor control training (MCT) compared with Pilates, McKenzie method, and physical therapy (PT) in pain and physical function.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of four types of intervention (MCT, Pilates, McKenzie method, and PT) for LBP were collected by searching PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Scopus databases from the establishment of the database to September 30, 2023. The risk of bias was evaluated for included studies using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Taking pain and physical function in the experimental and control groups as outcome indicators, subgroup analysis was performed according to the intervention method to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 25 RCTs, including 1253 patients, were included. Meta-analysis showed that MCT effectively relieved pain [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI (- 1.00, - 0.29), p < 0.01] and improved physical function [SMD = -0.76, 95% CI (- 1.22, - 0.31), p < 0.01] comparing with other 3 types of intervention. Subgroup analysis suggested that MCT could alleviate pain [SMD = -0.92, 95% CI (- 1.34, - 0.50), p < 0.01] and improve physical function [SMD = -1.15, 95% CI (- 1.72, - 0.57), p < 0.01] compared with PT, but it had no statistical significance compared with Pilates [pain: SMD = 0.13, 95% CI (- 0.56, 0.83), p = 0.71; physical function: SMD = 0.10, 95% CI (- 0.72, 0.91), p = 0.81] and the McKenzie method [pain: SMD = -0.03, 95% CI (- 0.75, 0.68), p = 0.93; physical function: SMD = -0.03, 95% CI (- 1.00, 0.94), p = 0.95].

CONCLUSIONS

MCT can effectively relieve pain and improve physical function in patients with NSLBP. It is more effective compared with PT for LBP, while no differences were detected between MCT and Pilates, as well as McKenzie method. Therefore, MCT, Pilates, and the McKenzie method should be encouraged as exercise interventions for NSLBP rehabilitation.

Neuromuscular responses to combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation and motor control exercises in a patient with recurrent low back pain: A single subject research report

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated changes in lumbar multifidus muscle (LM) contractility after motor control exercises (MCE), and it has been hypothesized that adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may help to re-activate motor units.

OBJECTIVE

To present the effects of combined NMES and MCE on LM contractility, spatial and temporal motor unit recruitment, and movement control in a patient with recurrent low back pain (rLBP).

METHODS

Motion tracking system was used to measure quality of movement (smoothness) during an active forward bend, while ultrasound imaging and decomposition electromyography were used to measure the LM contractility and motor unit recruitment during the Sorensen test. These data were collected pre and post intervention. Perceived improvement was also recorded.

RESULTS

Improved movement smoothness post intervention was found, with increases in LM contractility from 68.1% to 97.7%, and from 74.2% to 86.7% on the right and left sides, respectively. Number of motor unit increased from 14 to 18 units, while mean firing rate decreased from 10.9 to 7.1 pulses/second post intervention. The patient also reported a perceived improvement of +2 on the Global Rating of Change (GROC). However, this change was not greater than +3 to be considered as minimal clinically important difference.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate improvements in movement control, LM contractility, and changes in spatial and temporal motor unit recruitment in the study patient, suggesting the potential clinical utility and the need for further research on combined NMES and MCE in the treatment of patients with rLBP.

Neuromuscular exercise and counseling for treating recurrent low back pain in female healthcare workers-Findings from a 24-month follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Female healthcare workers have a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP)-related sickness absence. Here, we report findings of a 24-month follow-up of a previously published 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT).

METHODS

By adopting an RCT with 6 months of intervention and follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months, we assessed the maintenance of changes in the effectiveness (LBP and fear of pain) of the interventions (neuromuscular exercise [NME], back-care counseling, both combined) using a generalized linear mixed model adjusted for baseline covariates. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALY). A bootstrap technique was used to estimate the uncertainty around a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve.

RESULTS

Of the 219 females, 71% had data at 24 months. Between 6 and 24 months, LBP intensity (primary outcome) remained low in all intervention arms (-20% to -48%) compared to the control (-10% to -16%). Pain interfering with work remained low in the combined and exercise arms for up to 24 months. At 24 months, the total costs were lowest in the combined arm (€484 vs. €613-948, p < 0.001), as were the number of back-related sickness absence days (0.16 vs. 1.14-3.26, p = 0.003). The analysis indicated a 95% probability of the combined arm to be cost-effective per QALY gained at €1120.

CONCLUSIONS

Six months of weekly NME combined with four counseling sessions was cost-effective for treating LBP and the effect was maintained over 24 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01465698, 7/11/2011, prospective.

Greater number of weekly stairs climbed is associated with lower low back pain prevalence among female but not male physical therapists

INTRODUCTION

Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers of stair flights climbed compared with individuals without LBP.

METHODS

A survey tool was developed and distributed via email to a convenience sample of orthopedic physical therapists. Survey items included information regarding medical history, physical activity, workplace, and LBP factors, using a one-year prevalence period.

RESULTS

A total of 363 respondents took the survey and, after application of exclusion criteria, 248 records remained in our final sample. When analyzing all genders together, non LBP (NLBP) respondents reported a mean of 51.62 flights climbed per week; and LBP respondents reported 37.82 flights climbed per week, with P = 0.077. When males and females were analyzed separately, a statistically significant difference in mean number of flights of stairs climbed was found among female respondents (61.51 flights climbed for NLBP and 35.61 flights climbed for LBP females; P = 0.031). When analyzed based on chronicity of LBP, an even stronger association between stairs climbed and LBP prevalence was found for female respondents with acute LBP (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

More weekly stairs climbed was associated with a lower LBP prevalence among females, especially with respect to acute LBP. Randomized, longitudinal research is, however, required to confirm a relationship between stair climbing and LBP.

Cortical excitability and multifidus activation responses to transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with chronic low back pain during remission

Evidence indicates that patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have lumbar multifidus muscle (LM) activation deficit which might be caused by changes in cortical excitability. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) can be used to restore cortical excitability. This study aimed to (1) determine the immediate effects of a-tDCS on the cortical excitability and LM activation and (2) explore the relationship between cortical excitability and LM activation. Thirteen participants with CLBP during remission and 11 healthy participants were recruited. Cortical excitability (peak-to-peak motor evoked potential amplitude; P2P and cortical silent period; CSP) and LM activation were measured at pre- and post-intervention. We found significant difference (P < 0.05) in P2P between groups. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) in P2P, CSP and LM activation were found between pre- and post-intervention in CLBP. The CLBP group demonstrated significant correlation (P = 0.05) between P2P and LM activation. Although our finding demonstrates change in P2P in the CLBP group, one-session of a-tDCS cannot induce changes in cortical excitability and LM activation. However, moderate to strong correlation between P2P and LM activation suggests the involvement of cortical level in LM activation deficit. Therefore, non-significant changes could have been due to inadequate dose of a-tDCS.

What You Need to Know About Sacroiliac Dysfunction

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and sacroiliac dysfunction is estimated to occur in 15%-30% of those with nonspecific low back pain. Nurses are in the unique position to support and provide education to patients who may be experiencing sacroiliac dysfunction or possibly apply this knowledge to themselves, as low back pain is a significant problem experienced by nurses. A patient's clinical presentation, including pain patterns and characteristics, functional limitations, common etiologies and musculoskeletal system involvement, current diagnostic tools, and realm of treatments, are discussed along with their respective efficacy. Distinction is made between specific diagnosis and treatment of joint involvement and that of sacroiliac regional pain, as well as other factors that play a role in diagnosis and treatment for the reader's consideration.

Effect of Motor Control Training on Trunk Muscle Morphometry, Pain, and Disability in People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effects of motor control training (MCT) on trunk muscle morphometry measured by ultrasound imaging and pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from study inception until January 2021. Randomized control trials evaluating both muscle morphometry and pain or disability in individuals with chronic low back pain were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by 2 reviewers independently. Modified Downs and Black tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with mean difference or standardized mean difference (SMD).

RESULTS

Of 3459 studies initially identified, 15 studies were included, and 13 studies were selected for meta-analysis. The results revealed no differences in the resting thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal and external oblique, and lumbar multifidus muscles in studies that compared MCT with other interventions. The transversus abdominis muscles contraction ratio was greater (SMD = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.0 to 1.85) and lower pain (weighted mean difference: -1.07 cm; 95% CI, -1.91 to -0.22 cm; P = .01) and disability (SMD = -0.86; 95% CI, -1.42 to -0. 29; P < .01) scores were found in the groups who underwent MCT compared with other interventions.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that motor control exercise training increased the transverse abdominis contraction ratio (muscle activation) and improved the level of pain and disability compared to other interventions in people with chronic low back pain. However, motor control exercise training was not superior to other interventions in increasing the resting thickness of deep abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles in intervention times less than 12 weeks.

Effectiveness of motor control exercises versus other musculoskeletal therapies in patients with pelvic girdle pain of sacroiliac joint origin: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Pelvic girdle pain represents a group of musculoskeletal pain disorders associated with the sacroiliac joint and/or the surrounding musculoskeletal and ligamentous structures. Its physical management is still a serious challenge as it has been considered the primary cause of low back pain.

OBJECTIVE

This review sought to determine the effectiveness of motor control exercises for two clinically relevant measures; i.e., pain and disability, on patients with pelvic girdle pain of sacroiliac joint origin.

METHODS

This review covered only randomized controlled studies. Online databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, were searched from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2019. PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies, while Review Manager was employed to synthesize data in view of meta-analysis. The PRISMA guidelines were applied for this review.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized controlled trials of moderate-to-high quality were included in this review. The studies involved 1407 patients with a mean age ranging from 25.5 to 42.1 years as well as intervention and follow-up durations from 1 week to 2 years. Motor control exercises alone for pelvic girdle pain of sacroiliac joint origin were not effective in terms of pain reduction (SMD = 0.29 [-0.64,1.22]) compared to control interventions whereas they were slightly effective in terms of disability reduction (SMD =-0.07 [-0.67, 0.53]) at short-term. The combination of motor control exercises with other musculoskeletal therapies, however, revealed to be more effective than control interventions in terms of pain reduction (SMD =-1.78 [-2.49, -1.07]; 95%CI) and lessened disability (SMD =-1.80 [-3.03, -0.56]; 95%CI) at short-term.

CONCLUSION

Motor control exercises alone were not found to be effective in reducing pain at short-term. However, their combination with other musculoskeletal therapies revealed a significant and clinically-relevant decrease in pain and disability at short-term, especially in peripartum period.

Neuromuscular Consequences of Lumbopelvic Dysfunction: Research and Clinical Perspectives

Injuries involving the lumbopelvic region (ie, lumbar spine, pelvis, hip) are common across the lifespan and include pathologies such as low back pain, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, labrum tear, and osteoarthritis. Joint injury is known to result in an arthrogenic muscle response which contributes to muscle weakness and altered movement patterns. The purpose of this manuscript is to summarize the arthrogenic muscle response that occurs across lumbopelvic region pathologies, identify methods to quantify muscle function, and propose suggestions for future research. While each lumbopelvic region pathology is unique, there are a few common impairments and a relative consistent arthrogenic muscle response that occurs across the region. Hip muscle weakness and hip joint range of motion limitations occur with both lumbar spine and hip pathologies, and individuals with low back pain are known to demonstrate inhibition of the transversus abdominis and multifidus. Assessment of muscle inhibition is often limited to research laboratory settings, but dynamometers, ultrasound imaging, and electromyography offer clinical capacity to quantify muscle function and inform treatment pathways. Future studies should systematically determine the arthrogenic muscle response across multiple muscle groups and the timeline for changes in muscle function and determine whether disinhibitory modalities improve functional outcomes beyond traditional treatment approaches.

The Effects of Reconditioning Exercises Following Prolonged Bed Rest on Lumbopelvic Muscle Volume and Accumulation of Paraspinal Muscle Fat

Reduced muscle size and accumulation of paraspinal muscle fat content (PFC) have been reported in lumbopelvic muscles after spaceflights and head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest. While some information is available regarding reconditioning programs on muscle atrophy recovery, the effects on the accumulation of PFC are unknown. Recently, a device (the Functional Re-adaptive Exercise Device—FRED) has been developed which aims to specifically recruit lumbopelvic muscles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a standard reconditioning (SR) program and SR program supplemented by FRED (SR + FRED) on the recovery of the lumbopelvic muscles following 60-day HDT bed rest. Twenty-four healthy participants arrived at the facility for baseline data collection (BDC) before the bed rest period. They remained in the facility for 13-day post-HDT bed rest and were randomly allocated to one of two reconditioning programs: SR or SR + FRED. Muscle volumes of the lumbar multifidus (LM), lumbar erector spinae (LES), quadratus lumborum (QL), and psoas major (PM) muscles were measured from axial T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at all lumbar intervertebral disc levels. PFC was determined using a chemical shift-based lipid/water Dixon sequence. Each lumbopelvic muscle was segmented into four equal quartiles (from medial to lateral). MRI of the lumbopelvic region was conducted at BDC, Day-59 of bed rest (HDT59), and Day-13 after reconditioning (R13). Comparing R13 with BDC, the volumes of the LM muscle at L4/L5 and L5/S1, LES at L1/L2, and QL at L3/L4 had not recovered (all—p < 0.05), and the PM muscle remained larger at L1/L2 (p = 0.001). Accumulation of PFC in the LM muscle at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels remained higher in the centro-medial regions at R13 than BDC (all—p < 0.05). There was no difference between the two reconditioning programs. A 2-week reconditioning program was insufficient to fully restore all volumes of lumbopelvic muscles and reverse the accumulation of PFC in the muscles measured to BDC values, particularly in the LM muscle at the lower lumbar levels. These findings suggest that more extended reconditioning programs or alternative exercises may be necessary to fully restore the size and properties of the lumbopelvic muscles after prolonged bed rest.

Does motor control training improve pain and function in adults with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation? A systematic review and meta-analysis of 861 subjects in 16 trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of motor control training (MCT) compared with other physical therapist-led interventions, minimal/no intervention or surgery in patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Eight databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to April 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included clinical trial studies with concurrent comparison groups which examined the effectiveness of MCT in patients with symptomatic LDH. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and functional status which were expressed as mean difference (MD) and standardised mean difference (SMD), respectively.

RESULTS

We screened 6695 articles, of which 16 clinical trials (861 participants) were eligible. Fourteen studies were judged to have high risk of bias and two studies had some risk of bias. In patients who did not undergo surgery, MCT resulted in clinically meaningful pain reduction compared with other physical therapist-led interventions (ie, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)) at short-term (MD -28.85, -40.04 to -17.66, n=69, studies=2). However, the robustness of the finding was poor. For functional status, a large and statistically significant treatment effect was found in favour of MCT compared with traditional/classic general exercises at long-term (SMD -0.83 to -1.35 to -0.31, n=63, studies=1) and other physical therapist-led interventions (ie, TENS) at short-term (SMD -1.43 to -2.41 to -0.46, n=69, studies=2). No studies compared MCT with surgery. In patients who had undergone surgery, large SMDs were seen. In favour of MCT compared with traditional/classic general exercises (SMD -0.95 to -1.32 to -0.58, n=124, studies=3), other physical therapist-led interventions (ie, conventional treatments; SMD -2.30 to -2.96 to -1.64, n=60, studies=1), and minimal intervention (SMD -1.34 to -1.87 to -0.81, n=68, studies=2) for functional improvement at short-term. The overall certainty of evidence was very low to low.

CONCLUSION

At short-term, MCT improved pain and function compared with TENS in patients with symptomatic LDH who did not have surgery. MCT improved function compared with traditional/classic general exercises at long-term in patients who had undergone surgery. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the high risk of bias in the majority of studies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016038166.

Perturbation-based trunk stabilization training in elite rowers: A pilot study

Introduction

Low back pain is a major health issue in elite rowers. High training volume, frequent flexion movements of the lower spine and rotational movement in sweep rowing contribute to increased spinal strain and neuropathological patterns. Perturbation-based trunk stabilization training (PTT) may be effective to treat neuromuscular deficits and low back pain.

Methods

All boat classes (8+, 4+/-, 2-) of the male German national sweep rowing team participated in this non-randomized parallel group study. We included 26 athletes (PTT: n = 12, control group: n = 14) in our analysis. Physical and Sports therapists conducted 16 individualized PTT sessions á 30–40 minutes in 10 weeks, while the control group kept the usual routines. We collected data before and after intervention on back pain intensity and disability, maximum isometric trunk extension and flexion, jump height and postural sway of single-leg stance.

Results

We found less disability (5.3 points, 95% CI [0.4, 10.1], g = 0.42) for PTT compared to control. Pain intensity decreased similar in both groups (-14.4 and -15.4 points), yielding an inconclusive between-group effect (95% CI [-16.3, 14.3]). Postural sway, strength and jump height tend to have no between- and within-group effects.

Conclusion

Perturbation-based trunk stabilization training is possibly effective to improve the physical function of the lower back in elite rowers.

Relationship between the morphology and composition of the lumbar paraspinal and psoas muscles and lumbar intervertebral motion in people with chronic low back pain

Muscles of the lumbar spine play an important role in controlling segmental intervertebral motion. This study aimed to evaluate the association between lumbar intervertebral motion and changes in lumbar morphology/composition in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). A sample of 183 patients with CLBP participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent lumbar flexion-extension X-Rays to determine vertebral motion (translational and/or rotational motion) of lumbar levels (L1-L2 to L5-S1) and lumbar spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to quantify total and functional cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and asymmetry of the multifidus, lumbar erector spinae and psoas muscles. The relationship between morphology/composition of the muscles and lumbar intervertebral motion was investigated. Smaller total and functional CSAs of the multifidus and greater CSAs of the lumbar erector spinae muscle were observed in participants with greater intervertebral motion. Muscle asymmetry was observed at different lumbar vertebral levels. The greatest amount of translational intervertebral motion was observed at the L3-L4 level, while the greatest amount of rotational translation occurred at the L4-5 level. Associations were observed between the morphology of the paraspinal muscles at the vertebral levels adjacent to the L3-L4 level and the increased intervertebral motion at this level. Relationships between measures of muscle morphology/composition and increased segmental vertebral motion were observed. The results may provide a plausible biological reason for the effectiveness of rehabilitating deficient paraspinal muscles in a subset of people with CLBP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Successful Multidisciplinary Management of Foot Pain With Orgasm: A Case Report

Introduction

There is very little literature on referred pain syndromes with orgasm. Referred foot pain with orgasm is rare and evidence based diagnosis and management is not defined. Dysorgasmia is a pain condition that can severely affect sexual health and quality of life.

Aim

To add to the understanding and scant literature on referred orgasmic pain with pelvic floor and myofascial etiology.

Methods

A 34-year-old cis-female presented to a Physiotherapist, Sexual Medicine Physician, and Sex Therapist with a rare case of new insidious onset right foot pain with orgasm.

Results

Femoral nerve entrapment was diagnosed at the level of the inguinal ligament, referring pain to the right terminal sensory branch of the saphenous nerve along the medial aspect of the foot. Physiotherapy management resolved the patient's pain, while medical assessment was important to rule out numerous potential pathologies and to facilitate multidisciplinary management. Psychological therapy via sex therapy was integral in the highly successful and improved sexual outcome for this patient and her husband.

Conclusion

This case report details the successful multi-disciplinary assessment and management of a rare dysorgasmia and the importance of addressing sexual sequelae to add to the small amount of literature on difficult referred pain syndromes during sexual arousal and orgasm.

Meddings K , Klein C, Elliott S, Successful Multidisciplinary Management of Foot Pain With Orgasm: A Case Report. Sex Med 2022;10:100499.

Ultrasonographic Changes of Abdominal Muscles in Subjects with and without Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent disfunction in the spine, affecting both women and men. The implication of the abdominal muscles in this disfunction has been studied, including wrong breathing patterns or inactivity of this area. However, there is a lack of studies examining changes in thickness of abdominal with ultrasonography. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the differences in the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest and during breathing between subjects with and without CLBP. A total of 72 subjects were divided in two groups: participants with CLBP (n = 36) and participants without CLBP (n = 36). In both groups, the thickness of the four abdominal muscles was measured and compared at rest and during breathing with ultrasonography. In TrA and IO there were no significant differences between groups, but those subjects with CLBP increased the muscle thickness more than participants without pain during breathing. In EO there were no differences in muscle thickness between groups and between rest and breathing. In RA, subjects with CLBP showed less muscle thickness than subjects without pain during breathing, but no changes were found at rest. In conclusion, the deepest abdominal muscles, TrA and IO, appear to increase their thickness and RA appear to decrease more in subjects with CLBP, in comparison with healthy participants.

Altered ultrasonographic activity of abdominal muscles during breathing in males with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the altered ultrasonographic activity of abdominal muscles during breathing in males with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Twenty males with NSCLBP and 20 males without NSCLBP were recruited. Muscle thickness change was measured by ultrasonography during breathing in the end-inspiration and end-expiration phases for the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. The data were normalized to the end-inspiration thickness. An independent t test was run to analyze the data at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The participants with NSCLBP had thicker IO muscles in the end-inspiration (p = 0.030) and end-expiration (p = 0.017) phases as well as greater RA (p = 0.006) and smaller EO (p = 0.003) normalized thickness changes during breathing.

CONCLUSION

The normalized thickness changes during breathing differed between the participants with and without NSCLBP. Reduced EO and increased RA activity may predispose the spine to further injuries. Therefore, normalizing the breathing pattern should be considered in the management of people with NSCLBP.

Prolonged sitting-induced back pain influences abdominal muscle thickness in a sitting but not a supine position

The current study explored whether (i) abdominal muscle thickness differed between non-painful supine and painful sitting positions and (ii) the sitting position was more reliable and useful than the supine position to discriminate between people with and without prolonged sitting-induced lower back pain (LBP). Participants with and without prolonged sitting-induced LBP participated. The thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles was measured using ultrasonography in supine, usual sitting, and upright sitting positions. Analysis of variance was used to compare muscle thickness among the positions. Intraclass correlation coefficients and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine which position reliably identified between group. The group with LBP showed significantly greater EO muscle thickness than that without LBP only in the upright sitting position. In the group without LBP, the TrA thickness was significantly greater in the usual and upright sitting positions than in the supine position, but there was no significant difference in TrA thickness among three positions in LBP group. Only EO thickness in the upright sitting position significantly predicted prolonged sitting-induced LBP. The current study suggests that clinicians should assess abdominal activation patterns in the upright sitting rather than supine position before applying abdominal muscle motor control training for patients with prolonged sitting-induced LBP, and to distinguish between those with and without prolonged sitting-induced LBP.

Motor Control Exercises Compared to Strengthening Exercises for Upper- and Lower-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review was to compare the efficacy of motor control exercises (MCEs) to strengthening exercises for adults with upper- or lower-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs).

METHODS

Electronic searches were conducted up to April 2020 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL. Randomized controlled trials were identified on the efficacy of MCEs compared to strengthening exercises for adults with upper- or lower-extremity MSKDs. Data were extracted with a standardized form that documented the study characteristics and results. For pain and disability outcomes, pooled mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects inverse variance models.

RESULTS

Twenty-one randomized controlled trials (n = 1244 participants) were included. Based on moderate-quality evidence, MCEs lead to greater pain (MD = -0.41 out of 10 points; 95% CI = -0.72 to -0.10; n = 626) and disability reductions (SMD = -0.28; 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.13; n = 713) when compared to strengthening exercises in the short term; these differences are not clinically important. When excluding trials on osteoarthritis (OA) participants and evaluating only the trials involving participants with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, shoulder instability, hip-related groin pain, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, there is moderate quality evidence that MCEs lead to greater pain (MD = -0.74 out of 10 points; 95% CI = -1.22 to -0.26; n = 293) and disability reductions (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI = -0.61 to -0.19; n = 354) than strengthening exercises in the short term; these differences might be clinically important.

CONCLUSIONS

MCEs lead to statistically greater pain and disability reductions when compared to strengthening exercises among adults with MSKDs in the short term, but these effects might be clinically important only in conditions that do not involve OA. Inclusion of new trials might modify these conclusions.

IMPACT

These results suggest that MCEs could be prioritized over strengthening exercises for adults with the included non-OA MSKDs; however, results are unclear for OA disorders.

The effects of combined motor control and isolated extensor strengthening versus general exercise on paraspinal muscle morphology and function in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomised controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Exercise is a common approach for the management of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). However, there is no clear mechanistic evidence or consensus on what type of exercise is more effective than others. While considerable evidence suggests a link between lumbar muscle health (e.g., atrophy and fatty infiltration) with functional deficits, it is unknown whether exercises targeting the lumbar spine can lead to noticeable improvements in muscle health and functional outcomes. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effect of combined motor control and isolated strengthening lumbar exercises (MC + ILEX) versus a general exercise group (GE) on multifidus muscle morphology (size and composition). Secondary aims include assessing the effect of the interventions on overall paraspinal muscle health, pain and disability, as well as psychological factors as possible effect modifiers.

METHODS

A total of 50 participants with chronic non-specific LBP and moderate to severe disability, aged between 18 and 60, will be recruited from the local orthopaedic clinics and university community. Participants will be randomised (1:1) to either the MC + ILEX or GE group. Participants will undergo 24 individually supervised exercise sessions over a 12-week period. The primary outcome will be multifidus morphology (atrophy) and composition (fatty infiltration). Secondary outcomes will be muscle function (e.g., % thickness change during contraction), morphology, lumbar extension strength, pain intensity and disability. Potential treatment effect modifiers including maladaptive cognitions (fear of movement, catastrophizing), anxiety, depression, physical activity, and sleep quality will also be assessed. All measurements will be obtained at baseline, 6-week and 12-week; self-reported outcomes will also be collected at 24-week. Between-subjects repeated measure analysis of variance will be used to examine the changes in paraspinal muscle morphology over the different time points. Linear mixed models will be used to assess whether baseline scores can modify the response to the exercise therapy treatment.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will help clarify which of these two common interventions promote better results in terms of overall paraspinal muscle heath, back pain, disability and psychological factors in adults with chronic LBP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NTCT04257253 , registered prospectively on February 5, 2020.

Slacklining as therapy to address non-specific low back pain in the presence of multifidus arthrogenic muscle inhibition

Low back pain (LBP) represents the most prevalent, problematic and painful of musculoskeletal conditions that affects both the individual and society with health and economic concerns. LBP is a heterogeneous condition with multiple diagnoses and causes. In the absence of consensus definitions, partly because of terminology inconsistency, it is further referred to as non-specific LBP (NSLBP). In NSLBP patients, the lumbar multifidus (MF), a key stabilizing muscle, has a depleted role due to recognized myocellular lipid infiltration and wasting, with the potential primary cause hypothesized as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). This link between AMI and NSLBP continues to gain increasing recognition. To date there is no 'gold standard' or consensus treatment to alleviate symptoms and disability due to NSLBP, though the advocated interventions are numerous, with marked variations in costs and levels of supportive evidence. However, there is consensus that NSLBP management be cost-effective, self-administered, educational, exercise-based, and use multi-modal and multi-disciplinary approaches. An adjuvant therapy fulfilling these consensus criteria is 'slacklining', within an overall rehabilitation program. Slacklining, the neuromechanical action of balance retention on a tightened band, induces strategic indirect-involuntary therapeutic muscle activation exercise incorporating spinal motor control. Though several models have been proposed, understanding slacklining's neuro-motor mechanism of action remains incomplete. Slacklining has demonstrated clinical effects to overcome AMI in peripheral joints, particularly the knee, and is reported in clinical case-studies as showing promising results in reducing NSLBP related to MF deficiency induced through AMI (MF-AMI). Therefore, this paper aims to: rationalize why and how adjuvant, slacklining therapeutic exercise may positively affect patients with NSLBP, due to MF-AMI induced depletion of spinal stabilization; considers current understandings and interventions for NSLBP, including the contributing role of MF-AMI; and details the reasons why slacklining could be considered as a potential adjuvant intervention for NSLBP through its indirect-involuntary action. This action is hypothesized to occur through an over-ride or inhibition of central down-regulatory induced muscle insufficiency, present due to AMI. This subsequently allows neuroplasticity, normal neuro-motor sequencing and muscle re-activation, which facilitates innate advantageous spinal stabilization. This in-turn addresses and reduces NSLBP, its concurrent symptoms and functional disability. This process is hypothesized to occur through four neuro-physiological processing pathways: finite neural delay; movement-control phenotypes; inhibition of action and the innate primordial imperative; and accentuated corticospinal drive. Further research is recommended to investigate these hypotheses and the effect of slacklining as an adjuvant therapy in cohort and control studies of NSLBP populations.

The 4-Element Movement System Model to Guide Physical Therapist Education, Practice, and Movement-Related Research

The movement system has been adopted as the key identity for the physical therapy profession, and recognition of physical therapists' primary expertise in managing movement dysfunction is an important achievement. However, existing movement system models seem inadequate for guiding education, practice, or research. Lack of a clear, broadly applicable model may hamper progress in physical therapists actually adopting this identity. We propose a model composed of 4 primary elements essential to all movement: motion, force, energy, and control. Although these elements overlap and interact, they can each be examined and tested with some degree of specificity. The proposed 4-element model incorporates specific guidance for visual, qualitative assessment of movement during functional tasks that can be used to develop hypotheses about movement dysfunction and serve as a precursor to more quantitative tests and measures. Human movement always occurs within an environmental context and is affected by personal factors, and these concepts are represented within the model. The proposed scheme is consistent with other widely used models within the profession, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the Patient Management Model. We demonstrate with multiple examples how the model can be applied to a broad spectrum of patients across the lifespan with musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary disorders.

The effects of exposure to microgravity and reconditioning of the lumbar multifidus and anterolateral abdominal muscles: implications for people with LBP

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

One of the primary changes in the neuromuscular system in response to microgravity is skeletal muscle atrophy, which occurs especially in muscles that maintain posture while being upright on Earth. Reduced size of paraspinal and abdominal muscles has been documented after spaceflight. Exercises are undertaken on the International Space Station (ISS) during and following space flight to remediate these effects. Understanding the adaptations which occur in trunk muscles in response to microgravity could inform the development of specific countermeasures, which may have applications for people with conditions on Earth such as low back pain (LBP).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in muscle size and function of the lumbar multifidus (MF) and anterolateral abdominal muscles (1) in response to exposure to 6 months of microgravity on the ISS and (2) in response to a 15-day reconditioning program on Earth.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal series.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Data were collected from five astronauts who undertook seven long-duration missions on the ISS.

OUTCOME MEASURES

For the MF muscle, measures included cross-sectional area (CSA) and linear measures to assess voluntary isometric contractions at vertebral levels L2 to L5. For the abdominal muscles, the thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), obliquus internus abdominis (IO) and obliquus externus abdominis (EO) muscles at rest and on contraction were measured.

METHODS

Ultrasound imaging of trunk muscles was conducted at four timepoints (preflight, postflight, mid-reconditioning, and post reconditioning). Data were analyzed using multilevel linear models to estimate the change in muscle parameters of interest across three time periods.

RESULTS

Beta-coefficients (estimates of the expected change in the measure across the specified time period, adjusted for the baseline measurement) indicated that the CSA of the MF muscles decreased significantly at all lumbar vertebral levels (except L2) in response to exposure to microgravity (L3=12.6%; L4=6.1%, L5=10.3%; p<.001), and CSAs at L3-L5 vertebral levels increased in the reconditioning period (p<.001). The thickness of the TrA decreased by 34.1% (p<.017), IO decreased by 15.4% (p=.04), and the combination of anterolateral abdominal muscles decreased by 16.2% (p<.001) between pre- and postflight assessment and increased (TrA<0.008; combined p=.035) during the postreconditioning period. Results showed decreased contraction of the MF muscles at the L2 (from 12.8% to 3.4%; p=.007) and L3 (from 12.2% to 5%; p=.032) vertebral levels following exposure to microgravity which increased (L2, p=.046) after the postreconditioning period. Comparison with preflight measures indicated that there were no residual changes in muscle size and function after the postreconditioning period, apart from CSA of MF at L2, which remained 15.3% larger than preflight values (p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In-flight exercise countermeasures mitigated, but did not completely prevent, changes in the size and function of the lumbar MF and anterolateral abdominal muscles. Many of the observed changes in size and control of the MF and abdominal muscles that occurred in response to prolonged exposure to microgravity paralleled those seen in people with LBP or exposed to prolonged bed rest on Earth. Daily individualized postflight reconditioning, which included both motor control training and weight-bearing exercises with an emphasis on retraining strength and endurance to re-establish normal postural alignment with respect to gravity, restored the decreased size and control of the MF (at the L3-L5 vertebral levels) and anterolateral abdominal muscles. Drawing parallels between changes which occur to the neuromuscular system in microgravity and which exercises best recover muscle size and function could help health professionals tailor improved interventions for terrestrial populations. Results suggested that the principles underpinning the exercises developed for astronauts following prolonged exposure to microgravity (emphasizing strength and endurance training to re-establish normal postural alignment and distribution of load with respect to gravity) can also be applied for people with chronic LBP, as the MF and anterolateral abdominal muscles were affected in similar ways in both populations. The results may also inform the development of new astronaut countermeasures targeting the MF and abdominal muscles.

The Politics of Chronic LBP: Can We Rely on a Proxy-Vote? Linking Multifidus Intra-Myo-Cellular Lipid (IMCL) Fatty Infiltration With Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI)-induced Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To update recent trends in the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) analysis for CLBP.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle has drawn sustained interest for some time, particularly related to its structure, role in spinal stability, and its association and clinical significance with CLBP. Additionally, the presence of MF-arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) and its relation to induced CLBP, through depleted lumbar stabilization, has gained increased recognition. In contrast, the differential diagnostic use of MRS analysis has suggested specific links between the presence of MF myo-cellular lipid (MCL) infiltration and CLBP patients.

METHODS

Review of the literature related to CLBP with the keywords MCL, MRS analysis, and MF-AMI.

RESULTS

No articles discussed CLBP using the three key concepts in a single context. The use of MRS analysis has the capacity to distinguish between Extra-MCL (EMCL) and intra-MCL (IMCL) infiltration within the lumbar MF. It is suggested that EMCLs are more likely to be associated with age-related change, while the IMCLs appear more likely to be associated with the presence of CLBP. The increased recognition of MF-AMI as a primary cause of CLBP, and the potential that AMI parallels the presence of IMCLs, facilitates possible use of MRS as a means to quantify the basis of lumbar MF-AMI CLBP, and that proportional IMCL changes in the MF could serve as a 'proxy' to indicate the effectiveness of interventions directed at MF activation.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be possible for IMCLs to serve as a 'proxy' prognostic marker of lumbar MF-AMI in CLBP patients. Further, if this assertion were correct, then reductions in IMCLs could potentially quantify recovery and the efficacy of rehabilitation management strategies directed at lumbar MF activation.Level of Evidence: 5.

Effects of specific muscle activation for low back pain on activity limitation, pain, work participation, or recurrence: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Specific muscle activation (SMA) is a commonly used treatment for people with low back pain (LBP) however there is variability in systematic reviews to date on effectiveness. This may be because of the use of eligibility criteria incongruent with original descriptions of the SMA approach.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of SMA on improving activity limitation, pain, work participation or recurrence for people with LBP.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review METHODS: Computer databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English up to September 6, 2019. Eligibility criteria were chosen to ensure all clinically relevant RCTs were included and trials of poorly defined or executed SMA excluded. Outcomes for activity limitation, pain, work participation or recurrence were extracted.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight RCTs were included in this review with 18 being considered high quality. GRADE quality assessment revealed low to high quality evidence that SMA was more effective than exercise, conservative medical management, multi-modal physiotherapy, placebo, advice and minimal intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of SMA in accordance with the original clinical descriptions. We found significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of SMA for the treatment of LBP. Where significant results were demonstrated, the between-group differences were in many comparisons clinically important based on contemporary definitions and an effect size of 0.5 or more. Practitioners should consider SMA as a treatment component in their patients with LBP.

Dynamics of Changes in Isometric Strength and Muscle Imbalance in the Treatment of Women with Low back Pain

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of isometric changes in strength and muscular lumbar-pelvic imbalances in the treatment of women with low back pain. Forty-one women, nineteen in the study group (A) and twenty-two in the control group (B), participated in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess the degree of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. The diagnosis of isometric muscle strength and their imbalances was performed with the Tergumed 700 device. After six weeks of therapy in the study group (A), there was a significant improvement in the strength of all the examined muscle groups. However, in the control group (B), significant improvement occurred only in the strength of the lumbar flexor muscles and the flexor muscles on the left side. Furthermore, there was a significant intensification of the imbalance of left flexor muscle strength compared to right flexor strength in group B. Significant differences in favour of the study group (A) concerned the strength of the rotator muscles to the left, the strength of the extensor muscles of the lumbar spine, the strength of the flexors of the lumbar spine to the right, and the balance of the strength of the lumbar spine flexors to the left compared to the strength of the flexor muscles to the right. Therapy with the Tergumed 700 system leads to an increase in the muscle strength of the lumbar and pelvic complex, compensating for its imbalance, bringing beneficial effects in the treatment of low back pain.

Assessment of movement coordination strategies to inform health of movement and guide retraining interventions

INTRODUCTION

Exploring characteristics of human movement has long been the focus of clinicians and researchers. Changes in movement coordination strategies have been identified in the presence of pain highlighting the need for assessment in clinical practice. A major development in the understanding of movement related disorders is recognition of individual differences in presentation and consequently the need to tailor interventions based on assessment.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this masterclass is to build a rationale for the clinical assessment of movement coordination strategies, exploring loss of movement choices, coordination variability, and to present a clinical framework for individualised management, including the use of cognitive movement control tests and retraining interventions. An approach for the qualitative rating of movement coordination strategies is presented. A compromised movement system may be one characterised by a lack of ability to access motor abundance and display choice in the use of movement coordination strategies. The identification of lost movement choices revealed during the assessment of movement coordination strategies is proposed as a marker of movement health.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The health of the movement system may be informed by the ability to display choice in movement coordination strategies. There is evidence that restoring these choices has clinical utility and an influence on pain and improved function. This approach seeks to provide individuals with more flexible problem solving, enabled through a movement system that is robust to each unique challenge of function. This assessment framework sits within a bigger clinical reasoning picture for sustained quality of life.

State-of-the-Art Exercise Concepts for Lumbopelvic and Spinal Muscles - Transferability to Microgravity

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Over the last three decades, changes to key recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for management of LBP have placed greater emphasis on self-management and utilization of exercise programs targeting improvements in function. Recommendations have also suggested that physical treatments for persistent LBP should be tailored to the individual. This mini review will draw parallels between changes, which occur to the neuromuscular system in microgravity and conditions such as LBP which occur on Earth. Prolonged exposure to microgravity is associated with both LBP and muscle atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the spine, including the lumbar multifidus. The finding of atrophy of spinal muscles has also commonly been reported in terrestrial LBP sufferers. Studying astronauts provides a unique perspective and valuable model for testing the effectiveness of exercise interventions, which have been developed on Earth. One such approach is motor control training, which is a broad term that can include all the sensory and motor aspects of spinal motor function. There is evidence to support the use of this exercise approach, but unlike changes seen in muscles of LBP sufferers on Earth, the changes induced by exposure to microgravity are rapid, and are relatively consistent in nature. Drawing parallels between changes which occur to the neuromuscular system in the absence of gravity and which exercises best restore size and function could help health professionals tailor improved interventions for terrestrial populations.

Hybrid Approach to Treatment Tailoring for Low Back Pain: A Proposed Model of Care

Various approaches have been used to guide the treatment of low back pain. These approaches have been considered in isolation and often tested against each other. An alternative view is that a model of care that involves a hybrid approach may benefit patients with low back pain. This commentary considers the potential benefits of a sequentially applied hybrid approach for treatment tailoring to optimize resource allocation to those most likely to require comprehensive care, and then decision making toward treatment paths with the greatest potential for success. In a first step, a prognosis-based approach, such as the Subgroups for Targeted Treatment Back Screening Tool (STarT Back), identifies individuals likely to require greater resource allocation. Although a clear path is indicated toward simple and psychologically informed care for the low- and high-risk groups, respectively, there is limited guidance for the large medium-risk group. For that group, the hybrid model provides a stepwise path of additional methods to guide treatment selection. This includes subgrouping based on pain mechanism to guide priority domains for the next phase, which includes tailoring of psychological and movement-based approaches. Motor control approaches to exercise would be indicated for individuals with medium risk and a nociceptive pain mechanism, with treatment guided by detailed assessment via one of several paradigms. Psychologically informed treatments are tailored to those with medium risk and a predominantly central pain mechanism, guided by detailed assessment of psychosocial features. A hybrid approach to a model of care could simplify treatment selection and take advantage of the benefits of each method in a time- and cost-efficient manner. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(6):453-463. Epub 13 Feb 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8774.

Time to Reflect on the Role of Motor Control in Low Back Pain

The articles in this special issue on low back pain are the outcome of work undertaken by a series of working parties established during the meeting, "State-of-the-Art in Motor Control and Low Back Pain: International Clinical and Research Expert Forum," held in Chicago in October 2015. This multidisciplinary meeting provided an opportunity for discussion of key issues that interconnect motor control, pain, and the spine. What started as a relatively straightforward objective to summarize the field subsequently developed into an extensive process of literature review and discussion that culminated in the commentaries and articles presented in this special issue. We hope that the up-to-date information and in-depth insights into pain, motor control, and rehabilitation provide novel insights and a clear trajectory for future work and form the foundation for ongoing lively discussion. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(6):367-369. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.0104.