Trunk Flexion Range Of Motion Research Articles

Force Generation Profiles of Para-Nordic Sit-Skiers Representing Different Physical Impairments

PurposeTo biomechanically profile force generation connected to the complex role of the trunk in double poling in a representative sample of Para-Nordic sit-skiers.MethodsTwelve male World Cup Para-Nordic sit-skiers (sport classes: LW10–12) were skiing on flat snow terrain at submaximal speed of 4.5 m/s (~ 73% maximum speed). 2D video (50 Hz) and pole force analyses (1000 Hz) were performed synchronously, examining angle, force and cycle characteristics to analyse the role of the trunk in generating propulsion.ResultsLW10–11.5 skiers lost between 21% and 4% propulsive force versus LW12 athletes only due to different geometrics of the trunk and pole angle at an equal axial pole force. While LW10–11 skiers indicated trunk extension or position maintenance during pole thrust, LW11.5–12 skiers showed strong trunk flexion combined with smaller pole angles to the ground. Hence, LW11.5–12 skiers could create larger propulsive forces and therefore greater cycle lengths at lower cycle rates at the same speed. Maximum speed increased from LW10 to LW12 and was significantly correlated to trunk flexion range of motion (r = 0.63) and cycle length (r = 0.59). Trunk flexion ROM showed a significant relationship to the impulse of propulsive force (r = 0.63) and pole angle to the ground (r = − 0.76) (all P < 0.05).ConclusionThe impact of impairment on the force production profiles and its physiological-biomechanical consequences need further investigation also in other terrains and at wider spectrums of skiing speeds. The evident problem of low numbers of LW10–11 skiers in World Cup needs creative future solutions for research.

Construct Validity and Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index.

Outcome study to determine the construct validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric measurement properties of the Japanese version of the Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index (J-LSDI) following lumbar spinal surgery in order to assess its construct validity and reliability. The LSDI was designed and validated as a tool to assess functional impacts of lumbar spine stiffness and diminished spinal flexibility. A Japanese version has been developed, but its construct validity and reliability have not been evaluated. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated using flexion and extension range of motion, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) as external standards to evaluate construct validity. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate test-retest reliability. A total of 244 patients following lumbar spinal surgery participated in the study. Fifty one of the 244 patients participated in the reliability study. The ICC of the J-LSDI for test-retest reliability was 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.93). There was no systematic error found in the results of the Bland-Altman analysis. One hundred ninety-three of the 244 patients participated in the validity study. There were significant correlations between the J-LSDI and trunk flexion range of motion (r = -0.66), extension (r = -0.51), ODI (r = 0.62), and TSK (r = 0.38). The construct validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the LSDI were confirmed. The J-LSDI can be used to evaluate lumbar stiffness and associated disability in Japanese patients following lumbar spinal surgery.Level of Evidence: 2.

A Reliable Video-based ACL Injury Screening Tool for Female Team Sport Athletes.

This study aimed to develop a 2-dimensional (2D) video screening tool capable of predicting an athlete's peak 3-dimensional (3D) knee moments during unplanned sidestepping. 2D video-based kinematic measures were simultaneously captured with 3D peak knee moments for 30 female field hockey players (15 junior, 15 senior). Intra- and intertester repeatability of 2D kinematic measures was performed. Then, linear regression models were used to model 3D knee moments from 2D kinematic variables utilizing 80% of the sample (n=24). Regression equations were then validated on the remaining 20% of the sample (n=6). Angular 2D measures had good-excellent intra- (ICC=0.936-0.998) and intertester (ICC=0.662-0.949) reliability. Displacement measures had poor-excellent intra- (ICC=0.377-0.539) and inter-tester (ICC=0.219-0.869) reliability. Significant independent predictors of peak knee moments were dynamic knee valgus, knee flexion angle at foot strike, trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), trunk lateral flexion, hip abduction and knee flexion ROM (P<0.05). Regression equations generated from these models effectively predicted peak knee extension, valgus and internal rotation moments (i. e., were not different from measured values P>0.05, ES<0.4) in the 20% subsample. 2D video-based measurements of an athlete's full body kinematics during unplanned sidestepping provide a reliable, specific, sensitive and cost-effective means for screening female team sport athletes.

Effectiveness of an Osteopathic Abdominal Manual Intervention in Pain Thresholds, Lumbopelvic Mobility, and Posture in Women with Chronic Functional Constipation.

To assess the effect of an osteopathic abdominal manual intervention (AMI) on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), mobility, hip flexibility, and posture in women with chronic functional constipation. Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were recruited for the study by referral from different gastroenterology outpatient clinics in the city of Madrid (Spain). Sixty-two patients suffering from chronic functional constipation according to the guidelines of the Congress of Rome III. The experimental group (n = 31) received an osteopathic AMI, and the control group (n = 31) received a sham procedure. PPTs at different levels, including vertebral levels C7, T3, T10, T11, and T12, trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexibility, and posture, were measured before and immediately after the intervention. A comparison between the difference between the pre- and postintervention values using the Student's t test for independent samples or nonparametric U-Mann-Whitney test depending on the distribution normality of the analyzed variables was perfomed. In the intergroup comparison, statistically significant differences were found in PPT at T11 (p = 0.011) and T12 (p = 0.001) and also in the trunk flexion ROM (p < 0.05). Moreover, women showed no adverse effects with acceptable pain tolerance to the intervention. The application of an osteopathic AMI is well tolerated and improves pain sensitivity in areas related to intestinal innervation, as well as lumbar flexion.

Physical risk factors for low back pain among young sedentary individuals - A prospective study

Aims: To find the relationship of several physical risk factors on the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) over a period of 6 months among young sedentary individuals. Settings and Design: Yenepoya University, Mangaluru, India; prospective cohort design. Methods and Material: In this study, total number of 187 students of Yenepoya University, aged 18 to 30 years, with the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) score of less than 600 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes /week were recruited through convenience sampling. Participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), hamstring and iliopsoas muscle tightness, abdominal and back muscle strength and endurance, and trunk range of motion (ROM) at baseline. All measurements were taken by using standardized procedures. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution, Karl Pearson's correlation test by SPSS. Results: The Logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between low back pain and trunk flexion ROM with odds ratio of 1.671 (P

Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain and Functional Disability in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A randomized controlled trial with 2-week Kinesio taping intervention. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping application on pain, functional disability, and trunk flexion range of motion (ROM) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (chronic NSLBP). Kinesio taping is a therapeutic tool used for treatment of chronic NSLBP. However, there is little scientific evidence that describes its clinical efficacy. Forty-four patients with chronic NSLBP were randomized into experimental group (n = 21) and placebo group (n = 23). The experimental group was treated with Erector Spinae Taping, whereas the placebo group was treated with placebo taping. The primary endpoint was pain intensity on visual analog scale. Secondary endpoints were functional disability on Arabic version of Oswestry disability index (ODI) and trunk flexion ROM on Modified Schober's test. All measurements were recorded at baseline (W0), after 2-week intervention (W2), and at 4-week (W4) follow-up. Both group were comparable at baseline (P > 0.05). The experimental group had a greater decrease in pain than the placebo group after W2 of intervention (mean between-group difference 2.05 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38-2.71 points). This was maintained to W4 follow-up (2.25 cm, 95% CI = 1.67-2.82 points). At W2, the experimental group had significantly greater improvement in disability, by 3.90 points (95% CI = 1.68-8.54 points). This effect was significant at W4 follow-up (5.6, 95% CI = 2.65-8.54 points). Similarly trunk flexion ROM was significantly better at W2 (-0.71 cm, 95% CI = -0.85 to -0.56) and W4 follow-up (-0.73 cm, 95% CI = -0.88 to -0.58). Kinesio taping reduces pain and disability and improves trunk flexion ROM after 2 weeks of application. However, thesis effects were very small to be considered clinically relevant and meaningful when compared with placebo taping. 2.

A comparison of mckenzie therapy with electrophysical agents for the treatment of work related low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a major public health problem in industrialized countries and is one of the most common reasons for seeking healthcare. Although the McKenzie therapy is widely used for the treatment of low back pain, there is evidence for no improvement with exercise in short-, intermediate-, or long-term outcomes of pain relief or function. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the McKenzie therapy with electrophysical agents (EPAs) in patients with chronic LBP. A randomized controlled comparative trial with a 3-month follow-up period was conducted between January 2009 and June 2012. 271 patients with chronic LBP, (more than three months duration of symptoms) were randomized into two groups: the McKenzie therapy group (n=134), and electrophysical agents group, (n=137). The treatment period of both groups was 4 weeks at an outpatient clinic. Clinical outcomes (pain intensity, trunk flexion range of motion, and disability) were obtained at follow-up appointments at the end of the treatment period, 2 and 3 months. Significant improvement of spinal motion, reduction of pain and disability were demonstrated in both groups but the results show the greater improvement in the McKenzie group (p< 0.05). McKenzie therapy reduces pain, and disability, among subjects with chronic LBP. This study revealed that the McKenzie therapy is more effective than EPAs group.

Influence of Hamstring Tightness in Pelvic, Lumbar and Trunk Range of Motion in Low Back Pain and Asymptomatic Volunteers during Forward Bending.

Study DesignCross-sectional study.PurposeTo verify the association of hamstring tightness and range of motion in anterior pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar motion (LM), and trunk flexion (TF) during forward bending.Overview of LiteratureIncreased hamstring stiffness could be a possible contributing factor to low back injuries. Clinical observations have suggested that hamstring tightness influences lumbar pelvic rhythm. Movement restrictions or postural asymmetry likely lead to compensatory movement patterns of the lumbar spine, and subsequently to increased stress on the spinal soft tissues and an increased risk of low back pain (LBP).MethodsHamstring muscle tightness was measured using the self-monitored active knee extension (AKE) test. A bubble inclinometer was used to determine the range of motion of PT, LM, and TF during forward bending. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, comparisons between groups and a correlation between hamstring tightness (AKE) and anterior PT, TF, and regional LM with p≤0.05.ResultsThe LBP group was composed of 36 participants, and the asymptomatic group consisted of 32 participants. The mean for PT in the control group was 66.7°, 64.5° for LM and 104.6° for TF. Respective values in the symptomatic group were 57.0°, 79.8°, and 82.2°.ConclusionsParticipants with LBP showed restriction in the pelvis and TF range of motion, but had higher amplitudes in the lumbar spine during forward bending.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Two Physical Therapy Programs in Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Subjects with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that results in sickling of red blood cells, triggering phenomena of vaso-occlusion, pain and organ damage. Bone involvement is the most common clinical manifestation, and may cause chronic and progressive disorders such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head and spine damage, which in turn leads to disturbances in gait and activity and function limitation due to pain. There are few studies in the literature on the role of physiotherapy as a resource capable of preventing and treating disorders of the locomotor system of sickle cell disease patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of two physical therapy programs for patients with sickle cell disease to decrease musculoskeletal pain in the hip and lower back and increase the functionality of these patients. One of the programs was conventional physical therapy in the soil compared with a protocol of exercises performed in a swimming pool. The study began with an evaluation of the volunteers the from functional scales (Scale LEFS – Lower Extremity Functional Scale; Lequesne’s Algofunctional Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), measuring the range of motion (ROM) in flexion and extension of the trunk, flexion, extension, adduction and abduction of the hip, the assessment of muscle strength (MS) of the trunk flexors and extensors, flexors, extensors, adductors and hip abductors through load cell and surface electromyography (SEMG) of iliocostalis, dorsal longissimus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae. The final sample consisted of 10 volunteers, randomized to two different groups: aquatic physiotherapy (AP) and conventional physiotherapy (CP). The AP group was composed of five volunteers with a median age of 42 (25-67) years. The CP group consisted of five volunteers with a median age of 49 (43-59) years. After randomization, subjects from both groups underwent intervention for twelve week, with two sessions per week, totaling 24 sessions. At the end of the intervention, patients were reassessed for comparison of pre-and post-intervention results. For statistical analysis ANOVA was used for repeated measures with transformation stations. Significance was established at the 5% level (p<0.05). Both programs lead to statistically significant improvement after the intervention for the variables Lequesne index (p=0.0217), Oswestry Disability Index (p=0.0112), trunk extension ROM (p=0.0320), ROM trunk flexion (p=0,0459) and MS extension (p=0.0062) and abduction (p=0.0257) of the hip. The variables Scale LEFS, trunk flexion ROM, ROM of flexion, extension, adduction and hip abduction, extension of MS trunk, MS flexion and hip adduction and all SEMG variables showed no statistically significant difference. However no difference was detected between aquatic or conventional physiotherapy. These results suggest that physical therapy seems to be a resource capable of preventing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunctions of patients with sickle cell disease, regardless of the technique used.Keywords: Sickle cell disease, physical therapy, aquatic therapy. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Biomechanical Contributions of the Trunk and Upper Extremity in Discrete Versus Cyclic Reaching in Survivors of Stroke

Background: Stroke rehabilitation interventions and assessments incorporate discrete and/or cyclic reaching tasks, yet no biomechanical comparison exists between these 2 movements in survivors of stroke. Objective: To characterize the differences between discrete (movements bounded by stationary periods) and cyclic (continuous repetitive movements) reaching in survivors of stroke. Methods: Seventeen survivors of stroke underwent kinematic motion analysis of discrete and cyclic reaching movements. Outcomes collected for each side included shoulder, elbow, and trunk range of motion (ROM); peak velocity; movement time; and spatial variability at target contact. Results: Participants used significantly less shoulder and elbow ROM and significantly more trunk flexion ROM when reaching with the stroke-affected side compared with the less-affected side (P < .001). Participants used significantly more trunk rotation during cyclic reaching than discrete reaching with the stroke-affected side (P = .01). No post hoc differences were observed between tasks within the stroke-affected side for elbow, shoulder, and trunk flexion ROM. Peak velocity, movement time, and spatial variability were not different between discrete and cyclic reaching in the stroke-affected side. Conclusions: Survivors of stroke reached with altered kinematics when the stroke-affected side was compared with the less-affected side, yet there were few differences between discrete and cyclic reaching within the stroke-affected side. The greater trunk rotation during cyclic reaching represents a unique segmental strategy when using the stroke-affected side without consequences to end-point kinematics. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider the type of reaching required in therapeutic activities because of the continuous movement demands required with cyclic reaching.

The effects of walking speed and prosthetic ankle adapters on upper extremity dynamics and stability-related parameters in bilateral transtibial amputee gait

Bilateral transtibial amputee (BTA) gait has been investigated less and is not as well understood compared to that of their unilateral counterparts. Relative to able-bodied individuals, BTAs walk with reduced self-selected speeds, increased step width, hip-hiking, and greater metabolic cost. The clinically observed upper body motions of these individuals have not been quantified, but appear substantially different from able-bodied ambulators and may impact upright balance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the upper extremity kinematics of BTAs during steady-state walking. We measured medial-lateral ground reaction forces, step width and extrapolated center-of-mass (XCoM) trajectory, and observed effects of walking speed and increased prosthetic ankle range-of-motion (ROM) on these parameters. Significantly, BTAs display greater lateral trunk flexion ROM and shoulder abduction than able-bodied individuals when walking at similar speeds, and the inclusion of prosthetic adaptors for increasing passive ankle ROM slightly reduced step width. Overall, exaggerated lateral trunk flexion ROM was invariant with step width. Results suggest that lateral trunk motion is useful for shifting the body center-of-mass laterally onto the leading stance limb while simultaneously unloading the trailing limb. However, exaggerated lateral trunk flexion may introduce an unstable scenario if the XCoM is displaced beyond the lateral base-of-support. Further studies would be useful to identify if either prostheses that assist limb advancement and/or gait training may be effective in reducing this lateral sway while still maintaining efficient ambulation.

Flexion Relaxation Ratio Not Responsive to Acutely Induced Low Back Pain from a Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Protocol.

Background. The flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) has been suggested as a measure of muscular performance in patients with low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the FRR was responsive to acute LBP produced from a delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) protocol. Methods. Fifty-one pain-free volunteers performed DOMS to induce LBP. Current pain intensity, trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), and passive straight leg raise (SLR) were measured at baseline, 24 and 48 hours after DOMS. Participants were categorized into pain groups based on reported current pain intensity. Changes in FRR, trunk flexion ROM, and SLR ROM were examined using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results. Pain group was not found to have a significant effect on FRR (F 1,29 = 0.054, P = 0.818), nor were there any two-way interactions for changes in FRR. The pain group had decreased trunk flexion ROM compared to the minimal pain group (F 1,38 = 7.21, P = 0.011), but no decreases in SLR ROM (F 1,38 = 3.51, P = 0.057) over time. Interpretation. There were no differences in FRR based on reported pain intensity of LBP from a DOMS protocol. The responsiveness of FRR might be limited in patients with acute onset LBP of muscular origin.

Effectiveness of Back School Versus McKenzie Exercises in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Back School and McKenzie methods are popular active treatment approaches that include both exercises and information for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Back School and McKenzie methods in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The study was a prospectively registered, 2-arm randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. The study was conducted in the outpatient physical therapy clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. The study participants were 148 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The 4-week treatment program (one session/week) was based on the Back School (delivered to the group) or McKenzie (delivered individually) principles. The participants also were instructed to perform a daily set of home exercises. Clinical outcomes were assessed at follow-up appointments at 1, 3, and 6 months after randomization. Primary outcome measures were pain intensity (measured by the 0-10 pain numerical rating scale) and disability (measured by the 24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) 1 month after randomization. Secondary outcome measures were pain intensity and disability at 3 and 6 months after randomization, quality of life (measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF instrument) at 1, 3, and 6 months after randomization, and trunk flexion range of motion measured by an inclinometer at 1 month after randomization. The data were collected by a blinded assessor. Participants allocated to the McKenzie group had greater improvements in disability at 1 month (mean effect=2.37 points, 95% confidence interval=0.76 to 3.99) but not for pain (mean effect=0.66 points, 95% confidence interval=-0.29 to 1.62). No between-group differences were observed for all secondary outcome measures. It was not possible to monitor the home exercise program. Therapists and participants were not blinded. The McKenzie method (a more resource-intensive intervention) was slightly more effective than the Back School method for disability, but not for pain intensity immediately after treatment in participants with chronic low back pain.

Derivation of a Preliminary Clinical Prediction Rule for Identifying a Subgroup of Patients With Low Back Pain Likely to Benefit From Pilates-Based Exercise

Prospective cohort study. To derive a preliminary clinical prediction rule for identifying a subgroup of patients with low back pain (LBP) likely to benefit from Pilates-based exercise. Pilates-based exercise has been shown to be effective for patients with LBP. However, no previous work has characterized patient attributes for those most likely to have a successful outcome from treatment. Ninety-six individuals with nonspecific LBP participated in the study. Treatment response was categorized based on changes in the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire scores after 8 weeks. An improvement of 50% or greater was categorized as achieving a successful outcome. Thirty-seven variables measured at baseline were analyzed with univariate and multivariate methods to derive a clinical prediction rule for successful outcome with Pilates exercise. Accuracy statistics, receiver-operator curves, and regression analyses were used to determine the association between standardized examination variables and treatment response status. Ninety-five of 96 participants completed the study, with 51 (53.7%) achieving a successful outcome. A preliminary clinical prediction rule with 5 variables was identified: total trunk flexion range of motion of 70° or less, duration of current symptoms of 6 months or less, no leg symptoms in the last week, body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or greater, and left or right hip average rotation range of motion of 25° or greater. If 3 or more of the 5 attributes were present (positive likelihood ratio, 10.64), the probability of experiencing a successful outcome increased from 54% to 93%. These data provide preliminary evidence to suggest that the response to Pilates-based exercise in patients with LBP can be predicted from variables collected from the clinical examination. If subsequently validated in a randomized clinical trial, this prediction rule may be useful to improve clinical decision making in determining which patients are most likely to benefit from Pilates-based exercise.

Effects of two physical therapy interventions in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: feasibility of a randomized controlled trial

Chronic non-specific low back pain is both a health and a socio-economic problem which is associated with disability as well as with emotional distress. The Mckenzie and Back School's techniques have been shown to be effective in the treatment of this condition. to perform a preliminary analysis of the effects of these treatments in patients with chronic non specific low back pain for the following outcomes: pain, disability and trunk flexion range of motion and to test the feasibility of randomized controlled trial testing these interventions on this population. the participants were assessed by a blinded assessor and randomly assigned into one of the treatment groups. The data analysis was performed in only 18 patients and the study is still ongoing, so the results are restricted to these patients, as a single group. the patients improved for the outcomes pain intensity (mean difference of 2.4 points and 95% CI 0.84 to 3.93) and disability (5.2 points and 95% CI 2.55 to 7.78), but no improvement in range of motion in flexion was observed (7.2 degrees 95% CI -1.82 to 16.29). the Mckenzie and Back School's approaches may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with chronic non specific low back pain for the outcomes pain intensity and disability. We also concluded that the study is feasible and we will continue performing the current study without any adjustments of the original research protocol. This study was prospectively registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) number ACTRN12610000435088.

Reduced thoracolumbar fascia shear strain in human chronic low back pain

BackgroundThe role played by the thoracolumbar fascia in chronic low back pain (LBP) is poorly understood. The thoracolumbar fascia is composed of dense connective tissue layers separated by layers of loose connective tissue that normally allow the dense layers to glide past one another during trunk motion. The goal of this study was to quantify shear plane motion within the thoracolumbar fascia using ultrasound elasticity imaging in human subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP).MethodsWe tested 121 human subjects, 50 without LBP and 71 with LBP of greater than 12 months duration. In each subject, an ultrasound cine-recording was acquired on the right and left sides of the back during passive trunk flexion using a motorized articulated table with the hinge point of the table at L4-5 and the ultrasound probe located longitudinally 2 cm lateral to the midline at the level of the L2-3 interspace. Tissue displacement within the thoracolumbar fascia was calculated using cross correlation techniques and shear strain was derived from this displacement data. Additional measures included standard range of motion and physical performance evaluations as well as ultrasound measurement of perimuscular connective tissue thickness and echogenicity.ResultsThoracolumbar fascia shear strain was reduced in the LBP group compared with the No-LBP group (56.4% ± 3.1% vs. 70.2% ± 3.6% respectively, p < .01). There was no evidence that this difference was sex-specific (group by sex interaction p = .09), although overall, males had significantly lower shear strain than females (p = .02). Significant correlations were found in male subjects between thoracolumbar fascia shear strain and the following variables: perimuscular connective tissue thickness (r = -0.45, p <.001), echogenicity (r = -0.28, p < .05), trunk flexion range of motion (r = 0.36, p < .01), trunk extension range of motion (r = 0.41, p < .01), repeated forward bend task duration (r = -0.54, p < .0001) and repeated sit-to-stand task duration (r = -0.45, p < .001).ConclusionThoracolumbar fascia shear strain was ~20% lower in human subjects with chronic low back pain. This reduction of shear plane motion may be due to abnormal trunk movement patterns and/or intrinsic connective tissue pathology. There appears to be some sex-related differences in thoracolumbar fascia shear strain that may also play a role in altered connective tissue function.

Predictors of Falls in Women With and Without Osteoporosis

Cross-sectional study. To evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of falls and muscle strength, flexibility, and balance in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and falls are common problems encountered in the elderly. A total of 133 women with and 133 without osteoporosis, aged 60 years or greater, were included in the study. Women were interviewed about clinical and social demographic characteristics and the occurrence of falls in the previous 12 months. The variables evaluated were presence of osteoporosis, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. A significantly higher percentage of women with osteoporosis (51%) compared to those without osteoporosis (29%) had a history of at least 1 fall within the previous 12 months. There was a significant and inverse association between trunk extension strength and trunk flexion range of motion with falls. Logistic regression analyses showed that the variables associated with falls were trunk extension strength and presence of osteoporosis. Greater trunk extension strength was associated with a lower risk for falls (odds ratio, 0.97), while the presence of osteoporosis increased fall risk by a factor of 2.17. A greater percentage of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis had a history of 1 or more falls within the previous year and a higher risk of recurrent falls than women without osteoporosis. Muscle strength of the lumbar spine and the presence of osteoporosis are intrinsic factors associated with the risk of falls.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Lower Trunk Range of Motions

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on trunk flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. Thirty healthy subjects with no history of lower trunk or back issues participated in the study. Subjects performed two experimental measurements of range of motion (with and without the application of KT) in trunk flexion, extension, and right lateral flexion. A dependent t test was used to compare the range of motion measurements before and after the application of KT. Through evaluation of the sum of all scores, KT in flexion produced a gain of 17.8 cm compared with the non-kinesiotape group (t (29) = 2.51, p < 0.05). No significant difference was identified for extension (−2.9 cm; t (29) = −0.55, p > 0.05) or lateral flexion (3 cm; t (29) = −1.25, p > 0.05). Based on the findings, we determined that KT applied over the lower trunk may increase active lower trunk flexion range of motion. Further investigation on the effects of KT is warranted.

Increased Trunk Motion In Female Athletes Compared To Males During Single Leg Landing

PURPOSE: Core stability has been denned as the ability to control the position and motion of the trunk during athletic activities (Kibler 2006). Decreased active trunk control may increase risk of injury to the distal joints, specifically the knee. The purpose was to examine trunk motion in height and weight matched athletes during a single leg landing maneuver. The hypothesis was that females would exhibit increased trunk motion compared to males and that this motion would correlate with differences in lower extremity joint mechanics. METHODS: 11 female (F) and 11 male (M) collegiate basketball and soccer athletes height (F: 176±8cm; M: 176±8cm) and weight (F: 73±7 kg; M: 74±6 kg) matched were measured using 3-D motion analysis. Trunk and lower extremity joint angular motions, moments and powers were calculated during single leg landings (from initial ground contact to maximum center of mass displacement) from a medial drop of 13.5 cm. Each leg was examined separately using a MANO VA to determine the differences between sexes. Pearson correlation coefficients were utilized to determine the relationship between variables. RESUITS: Females demonstrated increased maximum trunk flexion (F: −13.9±8.0°; M: −8.5±6.6°; P=0.02), total trunk flexion range of motion (ROM)(F: 10.1±4.1°; M: 6.2±2.7°; P<0.001) and lateral trunk tilt ROM (F: 3.8±1.9°; M: 2.8±1.3°; P=0.042) compared to males during landing. Increased sagittal plane trunk ROM was significantly correlated to a decreased knee extensor (internal) moment in both groups of athletes (R=0.61, P<0.001). Females also demonstrated decreased knee extensor moment compared to males (F: −1.66±0.45Nm/kg; M: −1.91±0.33Nm/kg; P=0.036). No other sagittal plane variables in the lower extremity were different between gender. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that measures of active trunk control are different between males and females during single leg landing tasks. Female athletes demonstrate decreased dynamic control of their trunk compared to males as evidenced by increased trunk ROM in the sagittal and coronal planes during single leg landing. These observations may be indicative of a compensation for decreased dynamic coupled stability of the trunk and knee. Trunk mechanics should be considered when examining knee motion and torque in female athletes.