Evaluation of the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and disability due to low back pain, fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Aims: It has been suggested that the incidence of low back pain is higher in individuals with respiratory disorders compared to healthy individuals. In this study, it was aimed to calculate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and low back pain-related disability, fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study included 36 individuals (21F, 15M, 46.61±10.19) aged 18-65 years with low back pain. Respiratory muscle strength was measured with Pocket-Spiro MPM100 device. Disability due to low back pain was assessed by Oswestry Function Questionnaire and fatigue was assessed by fatigue severity scale. For cardiorespiratory fitness, a 6-minute walk test was performed. Results: No significant correlation was found between maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) values and disability status due to low back pain and fatigue (p>0.05). There was a significant, positive and moderate correlation between MIP and MEP values and 6 minute walk test (p<0.05). Conclusion: The number of studies in the literature investigating the relationship between low back pain and respiration is limited and no general consensus has been reached. The generally accepted view is that inadequate functioning of the diaphragm may lead to impaired intra-abdominal pressure modulation, which may reduce spinal stabilisation and increase low back pain. However, no data confirming a direct relationship between respiratory muscle strength and low back pain were found in this study. More comprehensive studies are needed in this field.