The association between trunk muscle endurance and lumbo-pelvic stability in adolescent low back pain: A cross sectional study

F Lewis,B Olivier,W Wood

doi:10.4102/sajp.v69i1.367

F Lewis, B Olivier + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v69i1.367

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Abstract

Decreased trunk muscle endurance has been identified as a risk factor for adolescent LBP, and poor lumbo-pelvic stability has been found to be associated with LBP in the adult population. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between adolescent LBP, trunk muscle endurance and poor lumbo-pelvic stability. Design: A cross sectional study. Participants: 80 adolescents in grade 8 to grade 11, aged 12 to 17 years, at three high schools in Gauteng, who agreed to participate in the study. Method: Data was collected by means of a validated questionnaire and physical tests. The active straight leg raise test was used to record the lumbo-pelvic stabilising muscles. The Sorensen, Shirado and side-bridge tests were used to record trunk extensor, flexor and side flexor muscle endurance, respectively. Results: The results revealed a lifetime prevalence of LBP of 82.50%, one year prevalence of 78.80% and point prevalence of 23.80%. Adolescents with LBP demonstrated decreased trunk extensor muscle endurance but increased trunk flexor muscle endurance (p=0.044), compared to non-LBP adolescents. Poor lumbo-pelvic stability was not associated with adolescent LBP, but was associated with decreased extensor trunk muscle endurance (p=0.031). Conclusion: There was an association between trunk flexor muscle endurance and adolescent LBP, and between decreased trunk extensor muscle endurance and poor lumbo-pelvic stability. No association was found between LBP and poor lumbo-pelvic stability.

Highlights

Low back pain (LBP) is a common and well-documented cause of pain and disabi lity (Balague et al 2012, Limon et al 2004)
Poor lumbo-pelvic stability was not associated with adolescent LBP, but was associated with decreased extensor trunk muscle endurance (p=0.031)
There was an association between trunk flexor muscle endurance and adolescent LBP, and between decreased trunk extensor muscle endurance and poor lumbo-pelvic stability

Summary

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is a common and well-documented cause of pain and disabi lity (Balague et al 2012, Limon et al 2004). Possible risk factors for the occurrence of adolescent LBP include age, gender, family history, emotional status, trunk asymmetry, rapid growth, prolonged sitting, high levels of sporting activity and poor muscle endurance (Bernard et al 2008, Andersen et al 2006, Korovessis et al 2004, Kovacs et al 2003, Grimmer & Williams 2000, Feldman et al 2001, Balague et al 1999). Dysfunctional movement patterns caused by changes in strength or flexibility, poor endurance, or abnormal neural control can result in tissue damage, which could result in decreased stability of spinal structures, and increased demand placed on the already inef ficient muscles, resulting in a dysfunctional degeneration cascade (Barr et al 2005). Decreased trunk muscle endurance has been identified by Andersen et al (2006) as a risk factor for adolescent

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