A multidimensional classification strategy recommends that motor control impairment subgroups are present in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
Impairment in motor control can occur in non-specific low
back pain (NSCLBP). The study results suggested that there are differences in
the lower thoracic region between spinal kinematics in NSCLBP subgroups and
healthy participants. It was observed that during functional tasks the
thoraco-lumbar spine exhibited a marked difference between FP and AEP, and FP
and healthy groups.
A multidimensional classification strategy recommends
that motor control impairment subgroups are present in non-specific chronic low
back pain (NSCLBP). Variations in sitting lumbar posture have been recognised
between healthy individuals and two such subgroups [active extension pattern
(AEP) and flexion pattern (FP)]; although, the functional spinal movement had
not been investigated. This study evaluated whether NSCLBP subgroups present
regional spinal kinematic variations than healthy people during functional
tasks.
A total of 28 healthy and 50 NSCLBP individuals' spinal
kinematics were assessed using the 3D motion analysis during functional tasks
like stand-to-sit, sit-to-stand, reaching upwards, lifting, bending to
retrieve, replacing a box, step down,
and step up. Groups compared for mean sagittal angle for the total thoracic,
upper thoracic, lower lumbar, total lumbar, lower thoracic, and upper lumbar
regions.
Considerable differences were seen in upper lumbar and
lower thoracic regions within NSCLBP subgroups while most tasks. Notable
differences were recorded within the FP and healthy group in the lower thoracic
region while bending and stand-to-sit-to-stand tasks to bring back a pen from
the floor. All notable findings displayed the FP group to work in relatively
higher flexion.
During functional tasks the thoraco-lumbar spine had
distinct results for FP and healthy, and FP and AEP groups. People with FP
displayed more kyphotic thoraco-lumbar postures, that may be pain stimulating.
No considerable variations were seen between AEP and healthy groups,
recommending that alternative mechanisms may appear in AEP.
Eur Spine J. 2017 Jul 21
Non-specific chronic low back pain: differences in spinal kinematics in subgroups during functional tasks.
Hemming R et al.
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