Trunk Muscle Weakness Research Articles

Flexibar And Non-Flexibar Exercises And Its Effects On Trunk Activation- A Review Of Literature

Objective: To systematically review the randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effects of flexi-bar and non-flexi-bar exercises, specifically stabilization training, on trunk muscle activity in various postures. Methodology: The study included randomized control trials and clinical trials published between 2007-2018 , focusing on patients with upper trunk muscle weakness aged above 18. Exclusion criteria included a study with overlapping data, a study with associated disorders, or abstract-only papers. The search strategy involved a search of existing literature from databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Research Gate, removing duplicates and identifying relevant articles. The full-text screening was performed, and the remaining relevant articles underwent data extraction. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the activity of selected trunk muscles, which was then normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Results: The findings of this study indicate that flexi-bar exercises resulted in higher activation of trunk muscles compared to non-flexi-bar exercises (stabilization training). The unique physical response induced by the vibration created through the swinging motion of the flexi bar triggered reflexive contractions of core muscles, leading to increased muscle activity. This suggests that flexi bar exercises may be beneficial in promoting muscular activation and potentially alleviating low back pain by evening out muscular imbalances.Conclusion: The results of this study support the use of flexi-bar exercises for activating trunk muscles, particularly when compared to non-flexi-bar exercises (stabilization training).

Efficacy of Core Muscle Stabilization in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Patients – A Systematic Review

Background: Low back pain referred as pain localized between the 12th rib and the inferior gluteal folds with included leg pain sometimes not, most cases are nonspecific but in about 10% of cases a specific cause is identified. The major causes of low back pain are weakness of superficial trunk muscles, abdominal muscles and motor control or delayed activation of deep muscles (multifidus and transversus abdominis). Hence Core Stabilization exercise provides greater support to the spine, control of lumbar deep muscles and pelvis, and integration of activity of superficial and deep trunk muscles. Aim:The aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of core muscle stabilization exercise in chronic nonspecific low back pain patients. Search Method: Studies were collected from databases Google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane library, Research gate, CINAHL Medicine. Methodology: Inclusion criteria was Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trial studies and Experimental study design. Sample size was 245 articles, 188 articles were collected from Google scholar, 28 articles from PubMed, and 29 articles from Cochrane library. Methodology of the Study was designed as Systematic review. Results: Out of 245 published studies, we selected 14 articles which describing about efficacy of core muscle stabilization exercise in chronic nonspecific low back pain, among which 8 articles discussed about the effectiveness of core stabilization exercise, 2 articles about lumbar stabilization, 2 articles about Pilates based exercise, 2 articles about segmental stabilization in reducing chronic nonspecific low back pain. Conclusion: By reviewing the study, we conclude that core muscle stabilization exercise is effective in reducing the chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP).

Parkinsonism may aggravate dysphagia in myotonic dystrophy type 1: two case reports.

Weakness of trunk muscles, fatigue and reduced mobility are features of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and may also characterize patients with extrapyramidal disorders.Dysphagia is common in DM1 and parkinsonism and can be predominant compared to other symptom, often requiring surgical tratment. We describe two cases of patients with DM1 and parkinsonism who arrived at our Center for worsening dysphagia and who showed very similar and peculiar clinical features. The first patient presented initially at the outpatient clinic reporting a 7 year history of progressive difficulties in swallowing and movement slowness. Neurologic examination showed a general bradykinesia, plastic rigidity of upper limbs, diffuse hypotrophy and deep tendon reflexes weakness. MRI scan of brain and spine was unremarkable, but neurophysiological evaluation revealed diffuse myotonic discharges on distal limb muscles. Genetic testing confirmed DM1 diagnosis (CTG range E1).The second patient, presented with an initial diagnosis of parkinsonism due to a 10 years history of gait impairment, generalized weakness and dysphagia. Due to low back pain a neurophysiological study was performed after 5 years from diagnosis of parkinsonism detecting diffuse myotonic discharges and genetic testing confirmed diagnosis of DM1 (CTG range E2).Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was severe and burdensome for both patients.To date, only one case of molecularly confirmed DM1 along with parkinsonism has been described. We have described two cases of DM1 and parkinsonism in which swallowing function has been affected by a synergic effect triggered by both muscle condition and extrapyramidal disease.

Effectiveness of dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation for improving trunk control in hemiplegic stroke: A scoping mini review

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the adult population, resulting in significant cognitive and sensorimotor impairments affecting one-half of the body in most patients. The limitations that are attributed to trunk impairment affect the postural and respiratory functions due to either spasticity or weakness of trunk muscles, including the diaphragm. Physiotherapy is effective in interdisciplinary stroke management, with approaches utilising the principles of plasticity. This review focused on briefing the pathomechanical aspects of trunk impairment in hemiplegic stroke. The proposed mechanisms of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) as a treatment for hemiplegic stroke were analysed, and the existing research evidence for the efficacy of DNS in improving trunk control among stroke participants was critically reviewed. The findings substantiate the need for high-quality trials, emphasising study design, subset size, reflective outcomes, and regulated follow-ups.

Associations between Abdominal Trunk Muscle Weakness and Future Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Middle-Aged and Older Adult Women: A Three-Year Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Potential risk factors associated with future osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) were prospectively investigated in middle-aged and older adult women. We enrolled 197 female patients aged ≥50 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery for lower-extremity degenerative diseases. Patient anthropometric and muscle strength measurements, a bone mineral density measurement of the lumbar spine (L-BMD), and full-spine standing radiographs to examine the presence of old OVFs and spinopelvic sagittal parameters were obtained preoperatively. We evaluated 141 patients who underwent full-spine standing radiographs three years postoperatively to identify new OVFs. We excluded 54 patients who did not undergo a second radiographic examination and 2 with new traumatic OVFs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with new non-traumatic OVF occurrence. Ten (7.1%) patients developed new non-traumatic OVFs during the study period (fracture group). The fracture group had less abdominal trunk muscle strength, lower L-BMD, smaller sacral slopes, and larger pelvic tilt than the non-fracture group. The fracture group showed a higher prevalence of old OVFs preoperatively than the non-fracture group. Abdominal trunk muscle weakness, low L-BMD, and the presence of old OVFs were identified as significant risk factors for OVF occurrence. In middle-aged or older adult women, abdominal trunk muscle weakness, low L-BMD, and old OVFs were associated with future OVF.

Sling suspension therapy is an effective treatment method of juvenile spinal osteochondrosis in adolescent girls.

Juvenile spinal osteochondrosis (JSO) affects vertebral endplates and may cause intervertebral discs alterations. The condition is typically related to pain, and weakness and shortening of trunk muscles. Sling suspension therapy (SST) has been shown to reduce lumbar pain effectively. It is, however, unclear whether SST is superior to other treatment methods in reducing pain, correcting posture, and activating trunk stabilizers in JSO. In this study, we intended to compare the effectiveness of two different exercise modalities; Sling Suspension Therapy and Gym Ball Exercise in the treatment of JSO in adolescent girls. A randomised controlled single centre clinical trial was carried out in an inpatient rehabilitation unit at a sanatorium. Forty adolescent girls (age 16.3 ± 0.47 yrs.), who were diagnosed with JSO (according to ICD-10 Version: 2016 - M 42.0) were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 - Sling suspension therapy (SST), Group 2 - Gym ball exercises (GBE). Both groups received interventions for 3 weeks, 15 sessions, and 30 minutes a day for 5 consecutive days a week. Back pain, endurance of trunk muscles and standing posture were evaluated pre- and post-interventions. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in all measured outcomes. SST was more effective in reducing pain (p< 0.05), increasing the endurance of trunk muscles (p< 0.05) and improving the standing posture (p< 0.05) compared to GBE (p< 0.05). Sling suspension therapy is more effective compared with Gym ball exercises in the treatment of juvenile spinal osteochondrosis in adolescent girls in terms of back pain, posture and endurance of trunk muscles.

The association of lower trunk muscle strength with low back pain in elite lightweight judokas is dependent on lumber spine abnormalities1

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiological abnormalities (LRA) and trunk muscle weakness are major causes of the low back pain (LBP). We reported that the prevalence of LRA was approximately 90% in middle- and heavyweight-judokas, independent to the occurrence of LBP. However, the trunk muscle weakness, especially the rotators, plays a key role in occurrence of LBP in heavyweight judokas. OBJECTIVE: To examine the trunk muscle strength (TMS) and LRA impact on LBP occurrence in lightweight judokas. METHOD: The strength of the trunk extensors, flexors, and rotators was measured in 32 lightweight male judokas. LBP and LRA were identified using a questionnaire, X-ray, and MRI. RESULTS: The occurrence rate of LBP and LRA were 40.6% and 62.5%, respectively, without any significant correlation. Among judokas without LRA, TMS of those with LBP were significantly lower than those without LBP (P&lt; 0.05, the extensor; 60∘/s: ES [d] = 1.38, 90∘/s: ES [d] = 0.78, and 120∘/s: ES [d] = 0.37, flexor; 60∘/s: ES [d] = 1.48, dominant rotator; 60∘/s: ES [d] = 1.66, and 90∘/s: ES [d] = 1.87, non-dominant rotator; 90∘/s: ES [d] = 0.17, and dominant/non-dominant rotator ratio; 90∘/s: ES [d] = 1.55). Moreover, there were significant negative correlations between LBP severity and TMS (P&lt; 0.05, the extensor; 90∘/s: r=-0.63, dominant rotator; 90∘/s: r=-0.648, and dominant/non-dominant rotator ratio; 90∘/s: r=-0.621) in judokas without LRA. CONCLUSION: Weak trunk musculature may be a co-factor in the occurrence of LBP in lightweight judokas without LRA.

Alteração postural, dor lombar e a resistência dos músculos do tronco em jovens universitárias

Abstract Introduction: Low back pain, the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, is common in individuals with postural changes and has a high incidence in university students. Trunk muscle instability and weakness can contribute to the presence of low back pain. However, no research has investigated the relationship between low back pain in conjunction with postural changes and the resistance of the trunk stabilizing muscles. Objective: To analyze the correlation between postural alterations and muscular resistance of the trunk of women with and without low back pain. Methods: Forty university women were recruited and divided into a group with low back pain (n = 20; 20.85 ± 1.69 years) and a group without low back pain (n = 20; 20.05 ± 2.54 years). On the first day, the postural assessment was carried out by photogrammetry with Kinovea software. On the second day, the resistance tests of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles, lateral and ventral plank, bridge, and lumbar traction were performed through the traction dynamometer. Pearson's correlation test was applied to verify the relationship between the analyzed variables, Student's T test was used for comparison between groups, and a significance level of p &lt; 0.05 was adopted. Results: There was no correlation between the variables related to postural changes and muscle resistance tests (p &gt; 0.05). There was a difference between the groups only for the bridge exercise test (p = 0.04) and vertical alignment of the head, left lateral view (p = 0.041), and right lateral view (p = 0.034). Conclusion: This study did not show a direct and significant relationship between postural changes in young university students with and without complaints of low back pain and resistance of the trunk-stabilizing muscles.

Association between abdominal trunk muscle weakness and future osteoporotic vertebral fracture in middle-aged and older adult women: A three-year prospective longitudinal cohort study

Association between abdominal trunk muscle weakness and future osteoporotic vertebral fracture in middle-aged and older adult women: A three-year prospective longitudinal cohort study

Quantitative Evaluation of Upright Posture by x-Ray and 3D Stereophotogrammetry with a New Marker Set Protocol in Late Onset Pompe Disease.

Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD) is a rare myopathy characterized by prevailing weakness of trunk and pelvic girdle muscles that causes motor disabilities. Spinal deformities have been reported unclearly on clinical examination. No study quantitatively assessed upright posture defining specific alterations of LOPD various phenotype. Identify postural abnormalities in a homogeneous group of LOPD patients using 3D Stereophotogrammetry (St) and x-Ray (xR). Seven LOPD siblings were recruited. They were assessed by clinical scales and, in upright posture, using xR and 3D-St with a new marker set protocol. Fourteen healthy individuals, age and sex-matched, were used as controls for St-parameters; normative xR-values were found in literature. LOPD patients showed a significant weakness of trunk and tibialis anterior muscles. Statistical analysis of St-parameters showed a larger ankle, knee, elbow, dorsal, S2-C7, heel-S2-C7, heel-S2-nasion angles and a lower sagittal vertical axis (SVA) than controls.xR-analysis highlighted an absence of scoliosis and a lower occipito-cervical, C2-C7 cervical and Cobb dorsal angles, and a trend to lower lumbar lordosis and SVA compared to normal values. Significant correlation was found in dorsal and lumbar angles calculated using xR-markers placed on spiny apophysis, xR-centre of vertebral bodies, Cobb-method and St-markers. This is the first quantitative study of postural abnormalities in LOPD patients using 3D-St and xR, highlighting sagittal standing alignment changes, difficult to assess to direct exam.Our new St-protocol showed a high reliability compared to xR. Further studies on larger population of LOPD might confirm the usefulness of these instrumental methods for monitoring disease course.

Calcium is reduced in presynaptic mitochondria of motor nerve terminals during neurotransmission in SMA mice.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive degenerative motor neuron disease characterized by symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy of limb and trunk muscles being the most severe genetic disease in children. In SMA mouse models, motor nerve terminals display neurotransmitter release reduction, endocytosis decrease and mitochondria alterations. The relationship between these changes is, however, not well understood. In the present study, we investigated whether the endocytosis impairment could be related to the functional alteration of the presynaptic mitochondria during action potential (AP) firing. To this aim, we generated a Synaptophysin-pHluorin (SypHy) transgenic mouse, crossed it with Taiwanese SMA mice, and recorded exo- and endocytosis and mitochondria Ca2+ signaling in real-time at ex vivo motor nerve terminals of Taiwanese-SypHy mice. The experiments were performed at the beginning of the motor symptoms to get an integrated view of the nerve terminal’s functional state before degeneration. Our electrophysiological and live imaging results demonstrated that the mitochondria’s capacity to increase matrix-free Ca2+ in SMA mice was significantly limited during nerve AP firing, except when the rate of Ca2+ entry to the cytosol was considerably reduced. These results indicate that both the mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling alterations and the secretion machinery defects are significant players in the dysfunction of the presynaptic terminal in SMA.

Association of low back pain with muscle weakness, decreased mobility function, and malnutrition in older women: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) and decreased mobility function are common problem among older people. Muscle weakness has been reported as a risk factor for these conditions, and exercise therapy can improve them. We created a novel exercise device that also measures abdominal trunk muscle strength. Malnutrition has also emerged as a major problem among older people. Muscle is a direct key linking decreased mobility function and malnutrition. This study aimed to examine the associations of LBP with not only decreased physical function and muscle weakness but also nutritional status of older people.MethodsWe examined the associations of LBP with muscle weakness, decreased mobility function (locomotive syndrome [LS]), and malnutrition among older women. The study included 101 female patients aged 60 years or older scheduled to undergo surgery for degenerative lower extremity diseases. Preoperatively, physical tests including abdominal trunk muscle strength assessment using the device and laboratory tests were conducted. Subjects with LBP (numerical rating scale ≥2; range, 0–4) during the preceding month were allocated to the LBP group (n = 36). Other subjects were allocated to the non-LBP group (n = 65).ResultsThe LBP group had lower abdominal trunk and knee extensor muscle strength, lower serum albumin, and hemoglobin levels as blood biomarkers associated with malnutrition risk, and higher LS test scores than the non-LBP group. A multivariate analysis showed that abdominal trunk muscle weakness and advanced LS were associated with LBP. LBP intensity was negatively correlated with abdominal trunk and knee extensor muscle strength and positively correlated with the LS test score. The serum hemoglobin level was negatively correlated with the LS test score.ConclusionAbdominal trunk muscle weakness and decreased mobility function were associated with LBP among older women.

Abstract TP380: Significant Factors of Early Independent Gait in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Introduction: Acute stroke patients have problems with gait disturbance. Independent gait in hospitalized patients is important for early discharge to home. Therefore, we must find factors of disturbing independent gait following acute stroke and intensively treat them. Hypothesis: Impaired trunk control and cognitive function are factors of disturbing early independent gait. Methods: We included acute ischemic stroke patients who were admitted in our hospital from June 2017 to May 2018 and excluded patients with disturbed level of consciousness. We defined a score of 6 (modified Independence) or 7 (complete independence) in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as gait independence. We evaluated association of stroke subtypes, Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) of upper limbs, fingers and lower limbs, trunk control test (TCT) score and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score with early gait independence on the 7th day of a stroke onset. Results: One hundred twenty- six patients met our inclusive criteria and we analyzed them. Stroke subtypes had no relation to early gait independence. In gait independent and dependent patients on the 7th day, median BRS score of upper limbs was 5 and 5 (ns), median BRS score of fingers was 5 and5 (ns), median BRS score of lower limbs was 6 and 5 (p&lt;0.01), TCT score was 100and 75 (p&lt;0.01) and MMSE score was 28.5 and 24.5 (p&lt;0.01), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis that TCT (p&lt;0.01) and BRS lower limbs (p&lt;0.01) were independent factors for early independent gat. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for early gait independence demonstrated that cut-off values of TCT score and BRS of lower limbs and were 100 and 5. Conclusions: Impaired trunk control and muscle weakness of lower limbs were significant factors of disturbing early gait independence.

Trunk muscle function and pelvic alignment associated with the presence of pain in higher education students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: The protective role of muscles in the passive structures of the spine means that their stability and consequent maintenance are associated with pain, especially in the region of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pain and its association with muscle deficits in higher education students. Method: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study that evaluated 120 university students through questionnaires (sample characterization, Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms, pain visual analogue scale and international physical activity). Trunk muscle strength and bridge tests with unilateral knee extension (pelvic alignment) were performed. Results: A high prevalence of pain was found in the lower back (58.41%). There was no association between the presence of pain, muscle strength and pelvic alignment (p&gt; 0.05). There was an association between the trunk extension and pelvic tilt tests (p = 0.009). Conclusion: A high prevalence of low back pain, poor performance in the trunk muscle endurance tests and mild and moderate pelvic misalignment were identified. There was no association between pain, trunk muscle weakness and pelvic misalignment. There was an association between pelvic misalignment and trunk extensor muscle weakness.

Correlation between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and abdominal trunk muscle strength in middle-aged and older women.

We developed an innovative exercise device for the abdominal trunk muscles that also measures muscle strength. We investigated the correlation between the strength and thoracolumbar spinal deformity in middle-aged and older women. This study included 206 consecutive female patients who were 50years or older and scheduled to undergo surgery for degenerative diseases of the lower extremities. Patients with a history of symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) requiring treatments were excluded. Before surgery, patients underwent physical measurements including abdominal trunk muscle strength using our device, full-spine standing radiography, and bone mineral density measurement of the lumbar spine (L-BMD). According to radiographic findings of the radiogram, patients were divided into four groups: control group (n = 134), listhesis group (n = 29), scoliosis group (n = 19), and fracture group (n = 24). The Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test was used to compare all measurements among the four groups. To identify factors associated with the presence of OVFs, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. The average abdominal trunk muscle strength in the fracture group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The multivariate analysis revealed that abdominal trunk muscle weakness, older age, and a low L-BMD were associated with OVF findings. Abdominal trunk muscle weakness in middle-aged and older women was associated with OVF. The strength measurement can be a risk assessment of OVF.

P.11Clinicopathological difference between anti-SRP and anti-HMGCR myopathy

Anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme. A reductase (HMGCR) antibodies (Ab) are distinctive markers of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy. However, the differences between patients with anti-SRP antibodies and those with anti-HMGCR have not been fully demonstrated. This study was aimed to determine the differences in clinical, radiological and pathological features between patients with anti-SRP Ab and anti-HMGCR Ab. Among Japanese patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies who underwent a muscle biopsy from January 1991 through February 2019, we extracted cases that were positive for anti-SRP or anti-HMGCR Ab. We reviewed clinical histories, MRI findings, muscle pathology, and treatment responses. Of 158 patients with IIMs other than inclusion body myositis, 16 (10%) were positive for anti-SRP Ab, and 10 (6.3%) were positive for anti-HMGCR Ab. The median CK level was significantly higher in patients with anti-HMGCR Ab (9,624 IU/L) than those with anti-SRP Ab (4,563 IU/L) (P=0.02). Trunk muscle weakness and interstitial lung disease tended to be more common in anti-SRP positive patients than in anti-HMGCR positive cases. Fat-saturated T2 weighted MRI in lower limb muscles revealed that semimembranosus muscle in hamstring was significantly more often damaged in anti-HMGCR patients (86%) than in the anti-SRP patients (25%) (P=0.02). Pathologically, 5 (31%) patients with anti-SRP Ab and 2 (20%) with anti-HMGCR Ab showed moderate or severe lymphocyte infiltration. Disease severity and treatment responses measured by modified Rankin scale were similar between both groups. In conclusion, we found that the serum CK level was significantly higher in patients with anti-HMGCR Ab than in those with anti-SRP Ab. In addition, MRI findings of inflammation or edema in semimembranosus muscle may be an important clue to anti-HMGCR myopathy. Pathological findings and treatment efficacy were similar in both groups.

Significance of spine stability criteria on trunk muscle forces following unilateral muscle weakening: A comparison between kinematics-driven and stability-based kinematics-driven musculoskeletal models

Two optimization-driven approaches were employed to develop kinematics-driven (KD) and stability-based kinematics-driven (SKD) musculoskeletal models of an adult thoracolumbar to ascertain the significance of spine stability in holding the upright-standing posture after muscular disuse atrophy. Both models were used to estimate muscle forces of the trunk with intact and unilaterally reduced longissimus thoracis pars thoracic (LGPT) and multifidus lumborum (MFL) muscles strength. A finite element model of the L5–S1 segment of the same kinematics was also developed to compare the joint stresses predicted by the KD and SKD models. Matching well with in vivo data, the SKD model predicted a 15% and 33% reduction in contralateral muscle forces to the 95% debilitated LGPT and MFL muscles, respectively. In contrast, the contralateral muscle force enhancement to the debilitated MFL muscle in the KD model was in contradiction with in vivo data, implying that the KD model is incapable of correctly predicting the muscular disorders. However, the similarity of both models’ predictions of intradiscal pressures and intervertebral discs’ stresses, which matched well with in vivo data, does indicate the feasibility of the KD model to investigate trunk muscle weakness effects on spinal loads, which could offer additional tools for research in ergonomics. Nonetheless, SKD models can be employed for assessment of contralateral muscle impotence in spinal neuromuscular disorders.

Abdominal trunk muscle weakness and its association with chronic low back pain and risk of falling in older women

BackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that trunk muscle strength decreases with chronic low back pain, and is associated with poor balance, poor functional performance, and falls in older adults. Strengthening exercises for chronic low back pain are considered the most effective intervention to improve functional outcomes. We developed an innovative exercise device for abdominal trunk muscles that also measures muscle strength. The correlation between muscle weakness, as measured by our device, the presence of chronic low back pain, and decreased physical ability associated with a risk of falling were evaluated in older women.MethodsThirty-eight elderly women, who could walk without support during daily activities and attended our outpatient clinic for treatment of chronic low back pain, knee or hip arthritis, or osteoporosis, were included in this study. Anthropometric measurements were performed. Grip power and one-leg standing time with eyes open were measured, and abdominal trunk muscle strength was measured using our device. History of falling in the previous 12 months was noted. Subjects with chronic low back pain (visual analog scale score ≥ 20 mm) for over 3 months were assigned to the low back pain group (n = 21). The remaining subjects formed the non-low back pain group (n = 17).ResultsAbdominal muscle strength of subjects in the low back pain group, and with history of falling, was significantly lower compared with that of subjects in the non-low back pain group, and in subjects without a history of falling, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between abdominal trunk muscle strength and one-leg standing time with eyes open.ConclusionWe measured abdominal muscle strength in older women with chronic low back pain using our device, and it was significantly lower than that of those without chronic low back pain. Muscle weakness was associated with a history and risk of falling.

Features of trunk muscle weakness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that manifested with sacroiliitis at its early stage and developed extensive inflammation with syndesmophytes of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spines at its later stage. In the present study, we characterized the trunk isometric strength in patients with AS with different disease severity, defined by the radiological images. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted in a university-affiliated hospital, thirty-eight male AS patients (23 in the early AS group whose radiological findings showed no syndesmophyte, Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spinal Score (m-SASSS <3); and 15 in the syndesmophyte group, m-SASSS ≥24), and 22 healthy controls were recruited. All subjects received assessments of maximum isometric strength of trunk flexor and extensor muscles at a variety of trunk postures measured by an isokinetic device. ResultsUnder all examined trunk postures, the syndesmophyte AS patient group had the lowest isometric trunk muscle strength among the three groups. The flexion/extension ratio, defined by the ratio between isometric trunk flexor and extensor strengths, was highest among the three groups. ConclusionsTrunk muscle strength significantly decreases in patients with syndesmophyte AS. The decrease of trunk muscle is inhomogeneous, which is more profound in extensor than in flexor muscles.

Isokinetic Strength of Trunk Flexors and Extensors Muscles in Adult Men with and without Nonspecific Back Pain: A Comparative Study

Background: There is no proven relationship between back pain and trunk muscle strength, researches in this field yielded conflicting results: some found significant weakness of trunk muscles in back pain patients compared with healthy subjects, however many researches did not show any relationship. Objectives: The focus of this study is to assess the trunk muscles strength using isokinetic dynamometer then tries to find a relation between back pain and trunk muscles strength. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with back pain (BP) and 50 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. The flexors and extensors of the trunk muscles were evaluated by Isokinetic dynamometer and compared with control groups. Results: Patients with acute back pain show a significant reduction of the trunk muscles strengths at 120°/s velocities (p value < 0.05) with reversed flexor/extensor ration in comparison with sound subjects. Such a relationship does not show in subacute or chronic back pain patients. Conclusions: Acute back pain associated with decreased the strength of the trunk flexors and extensors at 120°/s. The trunk muscle reinforcement programs must be considered in-patients with acute back pain.