Trunk Extensor Endurance Research Articles

Gender Differences in the Relationship between Physical Activity, Postural Characteristics and Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Young Adults.

Background/Aim: University students are a particularly vulnerable population, as they spend increasing amounts of time sitting, which poses a major threat to their musculoskeletal health and posture. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences in the relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, spinal curvatures and mobility, the endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, and the possible presence of non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in young adults aged 18-25 years. Methods: A total of 139 students completed all required tests. Results: Male students engaged in significantly more PA related to recreation, sports and leisure and were significantly more likely to be hyperkyphotic than female students. The more the male students participated in sports, the more pronounced the thoracic kyphosis. Female students had significantly more pronounced lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt that correlated with lumbar lordosis. Female students generally had significantly higher trunk extensor endurance and more balanced trunk musculature than males. NS-LBP correlated with PA in female students who generally had higher levels of NS-LBP than male students, with a statistically significant difference between those who practiced the most PA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that female students practice less PA and have pronounced lordosis and trunk extensor endurance, in contrast to males who practice more PA and have pronounced trunk flexor endurance and hyperkyphosis. Our findings suggest that more PA should be encouraged but implemented with caution and as an individualized gender-specific approach to prevent postural deformities and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including NS-LBP.

Comparison of trunk muscle endurance between women with and without chronic neck pain

PurposeTo compare trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor muscle endurance between women with moderate to severe disability due to chronic neck pain (CNP) and asymptomatic women. DesignObservational case-control study. MethodsThirty women with CNP and Neck Disability Index scores ranging from 30% to 70% and 28 asymptomatic women were included. The visual analog scale was used to assess neck pain intensity at rest and during activity. To assess trunk muscles endurance, trunk flexor endurance test, Sorensen test, and side bridge endurance test were performed. ResultsAnalysis of covariance indicated that neck pain group had lower body mass index-adjusted endurance times of trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor muscles with large effect sizes (p < .001, η2 = 0.378-0.696). Trunk flexor endurance time showed a moderately negative correlation with neck pain intensity at rest and a weakly negative correlation with neck disability score (r = –460 and –365, p < .05). ConclusionsWomen with moderate to severe disability due to CNP exhibited decreased trunk muscle endurance, which may be a predisposing factor for low back pain. Also, trunk flexor endurance was related to neck pain complaints. A holistic approach, addressing the entire spine rather than focusing solely on the cervical region, might be useful for managing CNP. Clinical ImplicationsThe findings of reduced endurance in trunk muscles should be considered when incorporating interventions in the management of CNP to effectively address pain and disability.

Effects of Fu’s subcutaneous needling on clinical efficacy and psychological cognitive characteristics in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background and purposeLow back pain (LBP) is a major global public health problem. Evidence shows that LBP is also related to cognitive, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Fu’s subcutaneous needling (FSN) has been used for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems for many years. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and fear avoidance beliefs of FSN in the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific LBP. Material and methodsNinety participants with chronic non-specific LBP were randomly divided into the FSN and the traditional acupuncture (TA) groups (n = 45) and received either FSN or TA treatment for three consecutive days from December 2021 to March 2023. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were trunk extensor endurance (TEE), lumbar range of motion (ROM), and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Outcome measurements were made before the first treatment and after each treatment. Follow-up assessments of VAS and FABQ scores were conducted one month after treatment. ResultsThe FSN group had significantly lower VAS and FABQ scores at each time point after intervention compared to the TA group (P < 0.01). The scores of TEE and lumbar ROM were higher in the FSN group than those in the TA group (P < 0.01). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant time effects, group effects, and interaction effects for VAS, TEE, lumbar ROM, and FABQ in both groups (P < 0.01). One month after treatment, the FSN group had significantly lower VAS and FABQ scores compared to the TA group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThis study suggested that FSN was superior to TA in terms of clinical efficacy and fear-avoidance beliefs in the treatment of chronic non-specific LBP. FSN could be used as an effective clinical treatment.

Changes in isokinetic trunk muscle strength and endurance after two different restoration programs in people with chronic low back pain: A longitudinal retrospective study

BackgroundMultidisciplinary functional restoration programs (FRPs) aim to improve pain and function in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The intensity and content of FRPs varies; the benefits of one program over another are unclear. ObjectiveTo assess changes in trunk muscle strength and endurance after an intensive (IFRP) (for people on sick leave for >6 months with high levels of fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity and work) or semi-intensive (SIFRP) (for people working) FRP in people with CLBP. MethodsLongitudinal retrospective study from March 2016 to December 2019. Setting: rehabilitation department of a tertiary care center. Trunk flexor and extensor muscle strength (60°.s−1) and endurance (120°.s−1) were measured with the Humac NORM isokinetic dynamometer at pre and post FRP. Change in isokinetic variables (peak torque, total work and flexor/extensor ratio) after each program was assessed with a paired t-test (p < 0.05). Pearson's rho and multiple linear regression assessed associations between changes in isokinetic and clinical variables and demographic characteristics. Results125 individuals, 63.2 % female, age 43.5 (10.3) years, were included. Mean low back pain intensity was 49.8 (24.9) and 37.2 (25.8)/100 and mean activity limitation (QBPDS) was 38.8 (16.4) and 32.0 (14.6)/100 in the IFRP and SFRP groups, respectively. Trunk extensor peak torque, flexor total work, extensor total work and flexor/extensor peak ratio improved significantly in both FRPs, p < 0.001. The flexor/extensor total work ratio improved in the IFRP group only, p = 0.003. Trunk extensor endurance increased more in the IFRP than the SIFRP group, the absolute pre-post differences for extensor total work [95%CI] N.m were 611.7 [495.2; 728.3] in the IFRP group and 380.0 [300.8; 459.3] in the SIFRP group. No variables were correlated and none predicted improvement in extensor total work in either group. ConclusionThis study highlights the short-term independence of clinical and trunk muscle strength and endurance changes.

A Comparative Study to Analyze the Effect of Lumbar Stabilization and Conventional Back Extension Exercises on Mechanical Pain in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in Greater Noida

Lumbar discomfort is a major problem due to its harmful effects on health and high frequency in the general population. Depending on where and how long the pain lasts, there are three general categorizations for Lumbar discomfort: acute less than 6 weeks, sub-acute 6 to 12 weeks, and chronic more than 12 weeks. Several theories concerning the cause of nonspecific LBP feature poor posture, low body mass, hamstring flexibility, psychological discomfort, diminished trunk extensor endurance, and faulty muscular control of trunk. Pain in the lower back is a challenging illness which can result from injuries pertaining to the muscles and ligaments providing support vertebral column or from overuse or strain. One common treatment method for Lumbar discomfort is exercise therapy. This includes diverse forms of therapies including muscular strengthening, several forms of flexibility and stretching, and cardiovascular exercise for overall physical fitness. Normally, the stabilization system's job is to give the spine enough stability to meet the demands of changing circumstances immediately due to the posture changes with static and dynamic loads. As Per traditional understanding, spinal stabilization primarily relies on spinal biomechanics, the intervertebral disc, spinal ligaments, and osseous components. The stabilization and mobility of the lumbar spine can be facilitated by any muscle that exits the lumbar region. However, according to certain research, the lumbar multifidus and transverses abdominis muscles are very crucial for the stability of the lumbar segment. There is preliminary data indicating that those with long-term Lumbar discomfort do not properly recruit their core muscles and display core weakness13. Standard Exercise for back extension and exercises for lumbar stability both are used to treat low back discomfort. Thus, an effort is undertaken to compare and investigate the benefits of traditional back extension exercises and lumbar stabilization activities in patients with chronic Lumbar discomfort.

Factors Affecting Balance Performance in Adolescents.

(1) Background: The influence of different factors on balance in adolescence is assessed by conducting functional balance tests that examine its different components. (2) Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 110 healthy adolescents of both sexes, aged 12-18 years. Single Leg Stance with Eyes Open (SLS-EO) and Eyes Closed (SLS-EC) tests were conducted to evaluate static balance, whereas the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Lateral Reach Test (LRT) were performed to establish functional stability limits. The influence of sex, age, demographic factors, anthropometric characteristics, participation in sports activities, and trunk extensor muscle endurance (Biering-Sorensen test) on balance performance was determined through correlational and univariate linear regression analyses. (3) Results: Older age (Beta [β] = 0.247; 95% CI [0.75, 5.20]; p < 0.01) and better trunk extensor muscle endurance (β = 0.224; 95% CI [0.015, 0.13]; p < 0.05) were significant predictors of the SLS-EO results, while younger age (β = -0.219; 95% CI [-1.32, -0.11]; p < 0.05) and higher muscle percentage (β = 0.237; 95% CI [0.06, 0.48]; p < 0.05) emerged as significant predictors of LRT performance, and greater bone mass was a significant predictor of FRT results (β = 0.444; 95% CI [3.62, 8.17]; p < 0.01). However, none of the independent variables was a statistically significant predictor of the SLS-EC results. (4) Conclusions: The current study found that age, trunk extensor muscle endurance, muscle percentage, and bone mass are significant predictors of different balance components, suggesting that balance is task-specific.

Efficacy of kinesio tape added to lumbar stabilization exercises on adult patients with mechanical low back pain: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial

BackgroundLumbar stabilization exercises (LSEs) are beneficial for chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP). However, further research focusing on intervention combinations is recommended. This study examined the effect of kinesio tape (KT) with LSEs on CMLBP adult patients. MethodsA randomized blinded clinical trial was conducted. Fifty CMLBP patients of both genders were assigned into one of two groups and received 8 weeks of treatment: group A (control): LSEs only, and group B (experimental): KT with LSEs. The primary outcome was back disability, measured by the Oswestry disability index. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, trunk extensor endurance, and sagittal spinal alignment, as indicated by the visual analog scale, Sorensen-test, and C7–S1 sagittal vertical axis, respectively. The reported data was analyzed by a two-way MANOVA using an intention-to-treat procedure. ResultsMultivariate tests indicate statistically significant effects for group (F = 4.42, p = 0.005, partial η2 = 0.148), time (F = 219.55, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.904), and group-by-time interaction (F = 3.21, p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.149). Univariate comparisons between groups revealed significant reductions in the experimental group regarding disability (p = 0.029, partial η2 = 0.049) and pain (p = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.102) without a significant difference in the Sorensen test (p = 0.281) or C7–S1 SVA (p = 0.491) results. All within-group comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe combination of KT and LSEs is an effective CMLBP treatment option. Although patients in both groups displayed significant changes in all outcomes, the combined interventions induced more significant reductions in back disability and pain intensity.

The Improvement of Trunk Muscle Endurance in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated with ScoliBrace® and the ScoliBalance® Exercise Approach

The impact of scoliosis bracing combined with physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) on trunk muscle endurance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis is unknown. ScoliBrace®, a rigid, three-dimensional, over-corrective thoraco-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO), and ScoliBalance®, a PSSE program, were used to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. A retrospective study of the trunk muscle endurance of 33 AIS patients who received ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance® was conducted. The patients were treated with ScoliBrace® and an individualized ScoliBalance® program. Trunk extensor muscle endurance (TE) and abdominal muscle endurance (AE) tests were performed at initial assessment and then at averages of 6.6 and 24.4 weeks of treatment. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Stata version 15.1. The participants were aged 13.24 years (SD = 1.64) with a mean Cobb angle of 38.97° (SD = 9.49°). TE improved significantly (p &lt; 0.001) at both short- and medium-term intervals using ScoliBalance® and ScoliBrace® in the AIS patients. AE also showed significant improvement between baseline and short-term follow-up, with non-significant improvement at medium-term follow-up. Overall, trunk muscle endurance showed improvement in the AIS patients using ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance®. Future research is required to determine the individual and combined effects of each treatment. However, it seems likely that trunk muscle endurance will not deteriorate in AIS patients with this combined treatment.

Reliability and Validity of the Star Excursion Balance Test for Evaluating Dynamic Balance of Upper Extremities.

Upper extremity (UE) dynamic balance is a significant physical fitness ability, which includes high-level neuromuscular proprioception, joint mobility, force, and coordination. The evaluation methods of UE dynamic balance are insufficient and lack experimental support. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable assessment of dynamic balance and injury risk of the lower extremity. The UE-SEBT is a reliable and reproducible approach for evaluating dynamic balance of UEs. Observational study. Level 4. This cross-sectional study recruited 65 healthy adults. All participants were required to complete UE-SEBT, UE Y-balance test (UE-YBT), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of UE, closed kinetic chain UE stability test (CKCUEST), trunk flexor endurance test (TFET), trunk extensor endurance test (TEET), and lateral trunk endurance test (LTET). Intra- and inter-rater reliability and the correlation of UE-SEBT with other outcomes were measured. Among the participants, the intra- and interoperator reliability of UE-SEBT in all directions and composite score achieved a moderate-to-excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.729-0.946) reliability. For validity, the UE-SEBT had a moderate to very strong correlation with UE-YBT (r = 0.315-0.755, P < 0.01) and a strong correlation with CKCUEST (r = 0.4-0.67, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the UE-SEBT performance showed weak-to-strong correlations with MVIC (r = 0.26-0.43, P < 0.05). UE-SEBT was also correlated with LTET, TEET, and TFET to varying degrees. UE-SEBT has good reliability and validity to assess UE dynamic balance compared with other tests. UE-SEBT can be used as a clinical assessment method to evaluate UE dynamic balance and injury prevention.

Low back pain frequency and the related risk factors in nurses and caregivers.

The objective of this study is to investigate the frequency of low back pain and the relationship between low back pain and personal and occupational risk factors in hospital employees. The study sample consisted of 270 nurses and 189 caregivers working in a university hospital. Demographic characteristics, low back pain history, and low back pain risk factors were queried by self-report questionnaires. The Biering-Sorensen Test was used to evaluate the endurance of trunk extensor muscles. Also, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used. Of the hospital employees included in the study, 56.5% had low back pain in the last month, and 81.9% had a his-tory of low back pain. The frequency of low back pain was significantly higher among those who work in a stressful working environment, stand for extended periods, lift patients or heavy subjects without using a lifting device, and transfer patients alone. In addition, it was determined that those who exercise regularly and are satisfied with their job had significantly less low back pain (p<0.05). The mean Biering-Sorensen test difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups with and without low back pain in terms of HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression subscale scores. The study findings indicated that being a hospital worker is a risk factor for low back pain, and the decrease in the strength and endurance of the lower back muscles increases the risk of low back pain.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior, Spinal Curvatures, Endurance and Balance of the Trunk Muscles-Extended Physical Health Analysis in Young Adults.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor well-being in young people with adverse effects extending into adulthood. To date, there are many studies investigating the relationship between physical activity (PA) and posture, but there are no data on the relationship between the type and intensity of PA and sedentary behavior, their association with thoracic and lumbar spine angles, and with endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, especially in healthy young adults aged 18-25 years. Moreover, there are no data on the relationship between PA and sedentary behavior and musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary health, as well as quality of life (QoL) and sleep that would provide a more comprehensive picture of physical health status. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the extent to which PA and sedentary behavior are associated with each other and with changes in spinal curvatures, endurance and balance of trunk muscles in an extended analysis of physical health status in young adults aged 18-25 years by additionally including measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, and QoL and sleep. A total of 82 students (58% female, 42% male) aged 18-25 years completed all required tests. Primary outcome measures included the following: PA and sedentary behavior calculated from the long form of International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), spinal curvatures measured by a Spinal Mouse® device, endurance and balance of the trunk muscles measured using trunk endurance tests and their ratio. Overall, 50% of students were classified as minimally active and 50% as health-enhancing PA (HEPA) active. The angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis showed no correlation with PA or time spent sitting. However, students with the lowest PA had significantly higher scores on the trunk extensor endurance test and trunk extensor/flexor endurance test ratio, indicating imbalanced trunk muscles. Moreover, these students spent the most their time sitting. Only PA of vigorous intensity and PA during recreation, leisure, and sports significantly correlated with QoL related to physical health. QoL related to physical and psychosocial health had significantly higher scores when students spent less time sitting. In addition, we found significantly better respiratory performance and SQ at higher PA values, i.e., PA during recreation, leisure, and sport. Our results suggest that students with low PA levels and more time spent sitting have imbalanced trunk muscles, worse respiratory function, and poorer QoL and sleep. Moreover, these findings in college students may reflect their lifestyle and suggest that more PA needs to be promoted to prevent the development of chronic diseases including musculoskeletal disorders.

Trunk extensor muscle endurance and its relationship to action potential conduction velocity and spectral parameters estimated using high-density electromyography

Trunk extensor muscle fatigue typically manifests as a decline in spectral content of surface electromyography. However, previous research on the relationship of this decline with trunk extensor muscle endurance have shown inconsistent results. The decline of spectral content mainly reflects the decrease in average motor unit action potential conduction velocity (CV). We evaluated whether the rate of change in CV, as well as two approaches employing the change in spectral content, are related to trunk extensor muscle endurance. Fourteen healthy male participants without a low-back pain history performed a non-strictly controlled static forward trunk bending trial until exhaustion while standing. For 13 participants, physiologically plausible CV estimates were obtained from high-density surface electromyography bilaterally from T6 to L5. Laterally between L1 and L2, the linear rate of CV change was strongly correlated to endurance time (R2 = 0.79), whereas analyses involving the linear rate of change in spectral measures showed a lower (R2 = 0.38) or no correlation. For medial electrode locations, estimating CV and its relationship with endurance time was less successful, while the linear rate of change in spectral measures correlated moderately to endurance time (R2 = 0.44; R2 = 0.56). This study provides guidance on monitoring trunk extensor muscle fatigue development using electromyography.

Trunk muscles influence lower limb performance in crossfit athletes: A cross-sectional study.

Crossfit is a sport that combines cardio-respiratory and muscle endurance, strength, flexibility, muscle power, speed, coordination, agility and balance. However, there is no information in the literature regarding functional performance of the lower limbs and the endurance of core muscles in this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between trunk strength/endurance and lower limb function through lower limb symmetry and balance tests. Forty-one young adults aged 19-41years (26.3±5.4) participated, 15 sedentary and 26 cross fit practitioners for at least one year. The tests were as follows: Biering-Sørensen Test of trunk extensor endurance, Trunk Flexors Endurance Test at 60°, Side Plank Endurance Test, Lumbar Dynamometry, Single-Leg Hop Test and Star Excursion Balance Test. Although there were higher values, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the groups for lower limb symmetry and strength of trunk flexor muscles. For balance, strength and resistance variables of trunk extensor muscles, the values found were higher in crossfit practitioners than in sedentary subjects. There is a relationship between trunk muscle strength and endurance and lower limb balance. Moreover, cross fit athletes showed higher values of trunk muscle strength/endurance and lower limb balance compared to sedentary adults.

Effectiveness of resisted training through translation of the pelvis in chronic low back pain.

Resisted training of the trunk muscles improves outcomes in chronic low back pain (CLBP). The Itensic b-effect machine was designed to provide resisted training through posterior translation of the pelvis in a seated, forward-tilted position, in contrast with traditional machines that involve extension of the trunk. To study the effectiveness of lumbopelvic training on the Itensic b-effect machine in individuals with CLBP. Participants were allocated to 4 weeks of either progressive Itensic (I) training in addition to an education/exercise (EE) program (I+EE group, n= 23) or the education/exercise program alone (EE group, n= 22). Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). pain (0-10 numeric rating scale), trunk extensor endurance (Sorensen test), motor control (thoraco-lumbar dissociation test) and mobility (finger-to-floor test). RMDQ score improved more in the I+EE group than in the EE group (with a between-group difference at the pos-test). Pain and mobility improved in the I+EE group only, motor control improved in both groups with no between-group difference and the Sorensen test did not improve significantly in either group. Resisted posterior pelvic translation using the Itensic machine in addition to an education/exercise program improved disability, pain and mobility more than the education/exercise program alone.

Effectiveness of Plyometrics Along With Pilates Exercises in Increasing Vertical Jump Performance Among Basketball Players.

Introduction Basketball is an athletic court game sport played by five players from two sports teams each. Therefore, the objective of this study is aimed at gauging the potential impact of the combination of plyometrics and Pilates training along with the efficacy of these exercise regimes individuallyon raising vertical jump performance in basketball players. Methodology For this study, 45 subjects were enrolled and assigned into groups A, B, and C. Group A was given a plyometric program, group B was given a Pilates program, and group C was given a combination of plyometrics and Pilates program. All were tested for vertical jump and muscle endurance prior to starting the plyometric and Pilates training and plyometrics with Pilates program. All the subjectspassed through six weeks of the training program and were retested.The program was given three days a week for six weeks. Result The data collected were statistically analyzed by applying the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the one-way analysis of variance test. The analysis of variance in vertical jump ability among three groups was assessed. The average value of vertical jump ability before training was 260.60 for group A, 243.47 for group B, and 263 for group C. Training group C had a higher mean vertical jump value. All groups showed improvement in vertical jump, but group C (plyometrics with Pilates) showed greater improvement in the vertical jump height and trunk flexor and trunk extensor endurance test. Conclusion The finding suggested that group C (plyometrics with Pilates) is more effective than group A (plyometrics) and B (Pilates) in improving the vertical jump height.

A novel physical functioning test to complement subjective questionnaires in chronic low back pain assessments

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLifting disability commonly affects patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and may not correlate with the existing lifting-related physical assessment tests, such as the loaded forward reach (LFR) test. PURPOSEThe Lift and Place (LAP) test was developed to assess lifting disability in CLBP based on known risk factors. The LAP test was compared with established physical assessment test, including the LFR test and self-reported disability questionnaires. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThis cross-sectional study measured self-reported disability questionnaires along with LAP and other physical assessment test results PATIENT SAMPLEEighty three CLBP and 82 asymptomatic participants aged 18 to 55 with normal BMI according to WHO classification. OUTCOME MEASURESOswestry disability index (ODI), Roland–Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Trunk Extensor Endurance test, 5 Repetition Sit-To-Stand test, LAP and LFR test. METHODSPhysical assessment test scores were compared between the two groups. The correlation of assessment test scores with ODI and RMDQ in patients with CLBP was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) of each assessment tests. Assessment tests, ODI, and RMDQ were measured twice for CLBP patients on separate days to calculate the test-retest intraclass correlation (ICC) reliability. Two researchers scored the assessment tests independently to calculate the inter-rater ICC. RESULTSPatients with CLBP were slower in the LAP test (CLBP vs asymptomatic: 21.6±4.9 s vs 18.6±3.6 s) and had shorter reach in the LFR test (CLBP vs asymptomatic: 33.6±6.0 cm vs 36.3±6.6 cm). The LAP was correlated with both ODI (r=0.418) and RMDQ (r=0.390), while the LFR was not. In the ROC analysis, the LAP and LFR bore AUCs of 0.685 and 0.379, respectively. Their test-retest ICCs were 0.913 and 0.858, and their inter-rater ICCs were 0.997 and 0.969, respectively. CONCLUSIONSThe LAP test demonstrated higher reliability and significant correlation with the ODI and RMDQ, indicating its potential as performance assessment for lifting disability in CLBP. Further studies should investigate the use of LAP and other physical assessments for rapid CLBP screening.

Relation of Trunk Extensor Muscle Endurance and Dynamic Postural Stability Among Nurses

Control of posture is a task that requires the summation of auditory, visual and somatosensory signals. Trunk plays a vital role in the loading of energy and connecting the lower and upper extremities. Nurses spent a lot of time on activities involving frequent bending and turning movements. These postures and movements when used for prolonged duration place static and dynamic stability demands and may increase the demands on the trunk muscle groups resulting in high risk for developing low back pain. The aim of this study was to find a relation between trunk extensor muscle endurance and dynamic postural stability among Nurses. 103 female and male nurses were recruited for the study based on the selection criteria. The nurses were evaluated for the trunk endurance using Bearing-Sorenson’s test. The Y-balance test and berg balance scale was used to know the dynamic postural stability. The mean trunk extensor muscle endurance was found to be 83.26 ± 17.72 seconds. The ‘Y’ balance was 88.24 ± 11.73 on the right side and 89.16 ± 12.09 on the left side. The mean Berg balance score was 30.13 ± 3.59. There was no significant relationship was noted between trunk muscle endurance and Y balance (p=.57). No significant association was observed for trunk muscle endurance with a Berg balance score (p= 0.727). We found no significant relationship existing between trunk extensor muscle endurance on dynamic postural stability among nurses. Trunk extensor muscle endurance may not be the major factor in maintaining dynamic postural stability. Keywords Posture, Muscles, Low Back Pain, Balance

The relation of forward head posture with back muscle endurance in primary school children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to look at the correlation between forwarding head posture and back muscle endurance in 288 primary school healthy active children aged 7–10 years old in public schools in Sheblanga, Benha, Qalubyia governorate (170 boys and 118 girls).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on elementary school children to see whether there was a link between forwarding head posture and back muscle endurance. The photogrammetry technique of craniovertebral angle (CVA) was employed to quantify forward head position, and the Biering Sorensen test was utilized to evaluate isometric back muscle endurance.ResultsThe distribution of head posture in the study group revealed 132 (46%) children with advancing head posture and 156 (54%) children with normal posture. In the study group, the connection between CVA and trunk extensor endurance was moderately significant (r = 0.4, p = 0.0001). The trunk extensor endurance of children with advancing heads was significantly lower than that of children with normal postures (p = 0.0001).ConclusionsThere is a link between forwarding head posture (FHP) and back muscle endurance.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Exercises Based on Prayer Movements on Pain and Endurance of Trunk Flexor and Extensor Muscles in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Back Pain

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Exercises Based on Prayer Movements on Pain and Endurance of Trunk Flexor and Extensor Muscles in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Back Pain

The effects of clinical pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of clinical Pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. MethodsAS patients were randomly assigned to either the Pilates group (PG) or control group (CG). The PG participated in Pilates training 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Patients in the CG were instructed to follow a home exercise program for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the interventions. BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and the AS Quality of Life (ASqOL) questionnaire were used were used to evaluate disease activity, functionality spinal mobility and quality of life respectively. Static core endurance was assessed with trunk flexor, extensor endurance, and lateral bridge tests, while dynamic core endurance was assessed using modified sit-up test. Balance was evaluated with bilateral and unilateral stance static postural stability (PS), bilateral stance dynamic PS and limits of stability (LOS) tests using the Biodex Balance System. ResultsTwenty-one patients in the PG and 21 patients in the CG completed the study. PG showed statistically significant improvements in BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASQoL scores, all core endurance tests, and dynamic PS and LOS results. The CG demonstrated significant improvement only in flexor endurance and LOS results. Post-intervention BASDAI, BASMI, and all core endurance tests were significantly better in the PG than in the CG (p < 0.05). ConclusionPilates training has positive effects on disease activity and functional capacity, spinal mobility, core endurance, balance, and quality of life in AS patients. Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT04292028.