Abstract
This study aims to compare muscle functions and functional performances between older persons with and without low back pain (LBP) and to determine the association between muscle functions and functional performances. This is a cross-sectional study, involving 95 older persons (age = 70.27 ± 7.26 years). Anthropometric characteristics, muscle functions, and functional performances were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression. The functional performances showed no significant differences (females LBP versus non-LBP, males LBP versus non-LBP) (p < 0.05). For muscle functions, significant differences were found (females LBP versus non-LBP) for abdominal muscle strength (p = 0.006) and back muscle strength (p = 0.07). In the LBP group, significant correlations were found between back and abdominal muscle strength and hand grip strength (r = 0.377 and r = 0.396, resp.), multifidus control and lower limb function (r = 0.363) in females, and back muscle strength and lower limb function (r = 0.393) in males (all p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that abdominal and back muscle strengths were significant predictors of hand grip strength (p = 0.041 and p = 0.049, resp.), and multifidus control was a significant predictor of lower limb function in females (p = 0.047). This study demonstrates that older women with LBP exhibit poorer muscle functions compared to older women without LBP.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal problem that affects all age groups
This study revealed that there were no significant differences in functional performance in terms of lower limb function, balance and mobility, and hand grip strength between older persons with and without LBP
This study demonstrates that the functional performances in the older persons with LBP were not significantly different to older persons without LBP
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal problem that affects all age groups. LBP has become a global health concern, because it is the leading cause of disability worldwide [1]. About 60–90% of the population have LBP at least once in their lifetime [2]. In a recent study [3], the prevalence of LBP among older persons living in the community in Ijok, Malaysia, is 25.6%. A preliminary study found that 62.5% of older persons living in the institutions suffered from LBP [4]. This evidence shows that the prevalence of LBP among older persons in Malaysia is significant and should not be neglected
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