Comparison of Lumbopelvic Rotation Angle during Active Straight Leg Raise in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain with and without Lumbar Segmental Instability

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the degree of lumbopelvic rotation during the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test in chronic low back pain with and without lumbar segmental instability. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited for this study. The subjects who tested positive for more than three of the five lumbar segmental instability tests (prone lumbar instability, lumbar passive extension test, anterior posterior mobility test, passive straight leg raise, age) were categorized into the lumbar segmental instability positive group. Patients who tested positive for less than three of the five tests were categorized into the lumbar segmental instability negative group. The lumbopelvic rotation was measured three times during ASLR and a mean was determined. Subjective heaviness during the ASLR was measured on 6 point scale. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the lumbopelvic rotation angle between the groups with and without lumbar segmental instability (p, and in the positive and negative groups, respectively (p, the sensitivity was 82.9%, and the specificity was 80.6%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that lumbopelvic rotation is more prevalent in patients without lumbar segmental instability. Clinically, this important when diagnosing chronic low back pain with lumbar segmental instability, as the lumbopelvic rotation angle during the ASLR test can be used to aid in diagnosis.