Comparative assessment of the level of physical activity and physical fitness IIn patients treated for sciatica versus healthy individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Sciatica (Ischias) is a set of symptoms associated with the compression of L4, L5 and S1 spinal nerves, forming the sciatic nerve, the largest peripheral human nerve. Pain can radiate to the buttock, lateral surface of the hip, calf and foot. The individual risk factors for sciatica include height, body mass, muscle strength, and physical condition. I n d i v i d u a l f a c t o r s a l s o i n c l u d e pregnancies and births. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the level of physical activity and physical fitness of people treated for sciatica and compare the results with the results of tests carried out among healthy people, not treated for sciatica or other diseases of the lower spine. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 60 people, both sexes, aged 50-69. The I n t e r n a t i o n a l P h y s i c a l A c t i v i t y Questionnaire IPAQ and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire were used for the assessment. In the research group there were 30 people diagnosed with sciatica, treated for this disease or other diseases of the lumbar spine. The control group consisted of 30 healthy people in the same age range. Results and conclusion: On the basis of the conducted research, there were significant differences between the degree of disability of healthy people and patients, which confirmed that sciatica is a disease significantly affecting physical fitness during everyday activities.