Abstract
BackgroundEmpirical evidence that demonstrates the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is currently lacking.ObjectiveTo establish the reliability of the Global Postural System (GPS) in assessing pelvic asymmetry and identify the association between pelvic asymmetry parameters and the occurrence of NCLBP in young adults.DesignA cross-sectional, regression study.MethodsPeople who were aged between 18 and 30 and were diagnosed with NCLBP were recruited. Healthy individuals who were matched for age, sex, and education level were recruited as controls. Global Postural System (GPS) was employed to assess pelvic asymmetry. Prior to exploring the association, the reliability of GPS was assessed by the ICC (2, k) for interrater reliability, ICC (3, k) for intra-rater reliability, standard error and minimal detectable difference. Bivariate correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and the occurrence of NCLBP.ResultsTwenty-eight healthy participants and 28 people with NCLBP were recruited. Moderate to excellent ICCs were observed for the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of most postural parameters. The bivariate correlation analysis indicated that age, body mass index and pelvic asymmetry parameters were related to the occurrence of NCLBP. Pelvic angle asymmetry (odds ratio = 1.17), and asymmetry of the distance between the posterior superior iliac spine and the floor (odds ratio = 1.21) were associated with NCLBP.LimitationsThis study did not explore the causal relationship between pelvic asymmetry in the sagittal plane/pelvic asymmetry in the transverse plane and the occurrence of NCLBP. The interpretation of the results may not be generalized beyond the sample population.ConclusionsThe GPS is a reliable method to assess pelvic asymmetry in a clinical setting. Two pelvic parameters were associated with the presence of NLBP. Measurement of pelvic asymmetry may assist in the early identification of potential occurrence of NCLBP but further work is required.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) creates a substantial socioeconomic burden for individuals worldwide [1]
The bivariate correlation analysis indicated that age, body mass index and pelvic asymmetry parameters were related to the occurrence of non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP)
Measurement of pelvic asymmetry may assist in the early identification of potential occurrence of NCLBP but further work is required
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) creates a substantial socioeconomic burden for individuals worldwide [1]. The prevalence of LBP is approximately 14% and is increasing in the young adult population [1]. Most people who experience LBP do not have a recognisable or specific pathology, such as nerve root compression or serious spinal pathology [2]. This pathological condition is often referred to as nonspecific LBP [2, 3]. There is a lack of empirical evidence to demonstrate if pelvic asymmetry is associated with LBP in the young adult population. Empirical evidence that demonstrates the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is currently lacking
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