Correlation between non-specific chronic low back pain and physical factors of lumbar and hip joint in office workers

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between pain intensity, degree of disability, and various physical variables of the lumbar and hip joints in office workers with non-specific chronic low back pain. Study design/settingA cross-sectional correlational study/in-house physical therapy clinic.Subjects.Sixty-one office workers diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain. MethodsPain intensity and Oswestry disability index were surveyed, and lumbar flexor and extensor strength ratio, lumbar flexor and extensor endurance, the maximum value and left/right asymmetry of eccentric muscle activity of the lumbar extensor, the maximum value and left/right asymmetry of concentric muscle activity of the lumbar extensor, the ROM of lumbar flexion and extension, left/right asymmetry of hip joint extensor strength, the internal rotation and external rotation of the hip joint, and the ROM and left/right asymmetry of flexion and extension were measured. ResultsThe ratio of the muscle strength of lumbar flexor and extensor was in a weak correlation with disability index. In addition, hip joint ROM and left/right asymmetry of hip joint ROM correlate with pain intensity and disability index. ConclusionTo improve office workers’ pain intensity and disability due to this non-specific chronic low back pain, it may be important to improve the ratio of the lumbar extensor and flexor strength and the left/right asymmetry of the hip joint ROM as well as the ROM of the hip joint should be considered.