腰椎小关节方向性与腰椎间盘突出症

背景:腰椎小关节及其对称性与腰椎间盘突出之间是否存在关系,文献报道争议很大。目的:测量分析腰椎小关节方向性与腰椎间盘突出的关系。方法:收集因腰腿痛行CT检查的169例患者,L4/5腰椎间盘突出35例,L5/S1腰椎间盘突出67例,无间盘突出对照组67例。在CT终端机上选取L3～S1椎间隙的远侧椎体上终板层面,测量3个节段的腰椎小关节角。结果与结论:①L4/5和L5/S1腰椎间盘突出组L3/4、L4/5、L5/S1每个节段腰椎小关节角左侧均大于右侧(P<0.05);各组小关节前内侧角和后外侧角两侧相比差异均无显著性意义(P>0.05)。②各节段腰椎小关节角、前内侧角、后外侧角3组之间比较没有显著性差异(P>0.05)。③各组腰椎小关节角、后外侧角自L3/4至L5/S1节段均逐渐增大(P<0.05);而前内侧角L4/5节段最大,L3/4节段最小(P<0.05)。提示腰椎间盘突出与腰椎小关节角左右侧不相等有关;腰椎小关节角和后外侧角自L3/4至L5/S1逐渐更偏向冠状位,而内侧角在L4/5节段更偏冠状位,可能与腰椎管狭窄的发病有关。     

双侧上肢训练在脑卒中患者康复中的应用

目的:初步观察双侧上肢训练对上肢功能中度到重度残损的恢复期脑卒中患者的疗效。方法:48例上肢功能中度到重度残损的恢复期脑卒中患者随机分为双侧训练组(n=24)、对照组(n=24),前者接受双侧(患侧、健侧)上肢同向、节律运动的重复练习,后者接受常规上肢训练,即以患侧上肢为主的单侧训练。两组患者上肢训练的时间均为1h/d,5d/周,持续4周,其余康复治疗如运动疗法和日常生活活动训练等两组均相同。两组患者分别于治疗前、治疗后予以FMA上肢部分(FMA-UE)、MAS上肢部分和MBI评定。结果:两组患者治疗后FMA-UE、FMA上肢的近端部分(FMA-PUE)和远端部分(FMA-DUE)、MAS-UE及MBI的评分均较治疗前提高,治疗前、后各量表的评分差异具有显著性(P<0.05);与对照组相比,双侧训练组患者FMA-UE、FMA-PUE的评分提高幅度更大(P<0.05)。结论:对于上肢功能中度到重度残损的恢复期脑卒中患者,采用双侧上肢训练可以更好地改善其患侧上肢,尤其是上肢近端的运动功能。     

腰椎间盘突出症伴神经异常屈、伸膝的肌力变化

目的为制定腰椎间盘突出症患者的康复训练计划提供依据.方法腰椎间盘突出症患者16例,根据肌电图检查分为L4和L5/S1神经损伤组.用Cybex330型等速运动测试装置,测试60°/s、180°/s、300°/s3种速度屈、伸膝向心性等速运动峰力矩,选用t检验比较双侧屈、伸膝的峰力矩和屈/伸膝比值有无差异.结果患侧3种速度屈、伸膝的峰力矩均低于健侧,屈膝时相差17.1%～22.5%,伸膝相差11.8%～17.3%,差异均显著(P＜0.05～0.001);L4组患侧3种速度的屈/伸比值均大于健侧,而L5/S1组患侧3种速度的屈/伸比值均小于健侧.结论腰椎间盘突出症患者患侧屈、伸膝肌力均明显下降,当患者症状缓解,进行康复治疗训练腰背肌的同时,不要忽略屈、伸膝肌力的训练.     

综合淋巴消肿治疗对乳腺癌术后淋巴水肿患者大脑神经活动的影响

目的：探索综合淋巴消肿治疗对乳腺癌术后淋巴水肿患者脑区激活和功能连接强度的即刻影响。方法：于2022年5—10月在复旦大学附属华山医院康复医学科门诊招募乳腺癌术后淋巴水肿患者11例,进行单次综合淋巴消肿治疗,干预前后对所有患者进行上肢围度和肩关节活动度测定,并进行静息态及任务态近红外脑功能成像检测。同时招募年龄和身体质量指数匹配的健康对照10例,进行静息态及任务态近红外脑功能成像检测。结果：与健康对照组相比,乳腺癌术后淋巴水肿患者的静息态近红外脑功能成像表现出运动网络间功能连接强度普遍异常增高（P<0.05）;与干预前相比,乳腺癌术后淋巴水肿患者干预后的上肢围度和肩关节活动度显著改善,差异有显著性意义（P<0.05）。在肩关节前屈运动任务中,患侧DLPFC、M1区激活显著性降低,差异有显著性意义（P<0.05）。干预后静息态脑网络中的功能连接强度广泛降低,患侧M1-健侧S1、健侧M1-患侧SAC、患侧M1-患侧SAC、健侧S1-患侧SAC、患侧DLPFC-健侧S1、患侧DLPFC-患侧M1、患侧S1-患侧SAC、健侧M1-患侧S1、患侧DLPFC-健侧M1、患侧M1-...     

腰椎小关节方向性与腰椎间盘突出症

背景：腰椎小关节及其对称性与腰椎间盘突出之间是否存在关系,文献报道争议很大。目的：测量分析腰椎小关节方向性与腰椎间盘突出的关系。方法：收集因腰腿痛行CT检查的169例患者,L4/5腰椎间盘突出35例,L5/S1腰椎间盘突出67例,无间盘突出对照组67例。在CT终端机上选取L3～S1椎间隙的远侧椎体上终板层面,测量3个节段的腰椎小关节角。结果与结论：①L4/5和L5/S1腰椎间盘突出组L3/4、L4/5、L5/S1每个节段腰椎小关节角左侧均大于右侧（P〈0.05）;各组小关节前内侧角和后外侧角两侧相比差异均无显著性意义（P〉0.05）。②各节段腰椎小关节角、前内侧角、后外侧角3组之间比较没有显著性差异（P〉0.05）。③各组腰椎小关节角、后外侧角自L3/4至L5/S1节段均逐渐增大（P〈0.05）;而前内侧角L4/5节段最大,L3/4节段最小（P〈0.05）。提示腰椎间盘突出与腰椎小关节角左右侧不相等有关;腰椎小关节角和后外侧角自L3/4至L5/S1逐渐更偏向冠状位,而内侧角在L4/5节段更偏冠状位,可能与腰椎管狭窄的发病有关。     

体外冲击波联合核心稳定性训练对产后骶髂关节疼痛的临床研究

目的:本研究通过观察体外冲击波疗法联合核心稳定性训练治疗产后骶髂关节疼痛的临床疗效,评估该康复方案的有效性和可行性。方法:选取产后骶髂关节疼痛的患者91例,随机分为3组：基础组(31例)、观察组A和观察组B各30例。基础组采取常规康复治疗,观察组A在基础组基础上采用体外冲击波疗法,观察组B在基础组基础上采用体外冲击波疗法联合核心稳定性训练。比较3组治疗前、治疗4周后的视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷表(ODI)、SF-36简明健康调查简表(SF-36)、MRI腰5-骶1椎间盘水平竖脊肌横截面积。结果:治疗前,3组VAS评分、ODI评分、SF-36评分、MRI腰5-骶1椎间盘水平竖脊肌横截面积比较差异无统计学意义。治疗4周后,3组VAS评分、ODI评分均较治疗前降低(均P<0.05),观察组A、观察组B的VAS评分、ODI评分均低于基础组(P<0.05),且观察组B较观察组A明显降低(P<0.05)。治疗4周后,3组SF-36评分较治疗前均提高(均P<0.05),观察组A、观察组B的SF-36评分高于基础组(均P<0.05),且观...     

强制性运动疗法对脑卒中患者上肢功能影响的临床研究

目的 观察强制性运动疗法对脑卒中患者上肢功能的临床疗效,并与常规偏瘫肢体康复训练做对比分析.方法 选择治疗组、对照组各40例,治疗组每天强化训练患侧上肢6 h,5 d/周,连续 3周,同时使用吊带限制健侧上肢的活动.强制用手夹板或手套应在患者90%的清醒时间使用.对照组采用传统 PT和 OT等康复方法,每天训练患肢5 h,5 d/周,不限制健手的使用.结果 两组按运动功能评定Fugl-Meyer(FMA) 评分法,和日常生活评价(ADL)的Barthel(BI)评分法[1]评定,两组间各指标比较差异有统计学意义 (P<0.05).结论 脑卒中早期常规康复治疗可改善脑卒中患者的患侧肢体功能,但强制性运动疗法能明显提高偏瘫患者上肢功能,提高日常生活能力,其疗效优于传统康复治疗方法.     

腰椎间盘突出症患者的足底压力分布研究

目的:探讨患下肢放射痛腰椎间盘突出症(LDH)患者自然行走时的步态特征。方法:选取32例患下肢放射痛LDH患者作为观察组,正常成人31例作为对照组,采用足底压力测量系统对受试者步态进行检测,比较分析2组受试者支撑期分期参数、足底各区域受力时间及足底各区域压力峰值之间的差异。结果:1对照组左右足在支撑期各阶段未见明显差异。观察组患足在前足触地及全足支撑阶段明显低于健侧和对照组,而在前足蹬离阶段明显高于健侧和对照组(P<0.05),健足与对照组在支撑期各阶段差异无统计学意义。2对照组左右足除第4跖骨(M4)区域外,足底各区域受力时间差异无统计学意义。除第5跖骨(M5)区域外,LDH患者患侧足底各区域受力时间均低于健侧(P<0.05),除第3跖骨(M3)区域外,患侧足底各区域受力时间均低于对照组(P<0.05),健足与对照组足底各区域受力时间差异无统计学意义。3对照组左右足除第1跖骨(M1)区域,足底各区域压力峰值差异无统计学意义。除M1区域外,LDH患者患足压力峰值均小于健足,其中在M4、M5、足跟外侧(HL)区域患足压力峰值较健足明显降低(P<0.05),患足在第2跖骨(M2)、M4、M5、足跟内侧(HM)、HL区域及健足在M2区域压力峰值小于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:患下肢放射痛LDH患者足底压力分布具有一定特征性,足底压力测量能为LDH临床诊断、治疗及康复疗效评定提供参考方案。     

重复经颅磁刺激联合核心稳定训练对脑卒中患者平衡功能的影响研究

目的:探讨重复经颅磁刺激(rTMS)联合核心稳定训练对脑卒中患者的治疗效果。方法:将符合标准的45例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为对照组、磁刺激组和联合组各15例。3组常规治疗相同,对照组进行假rTMS+核心稳定性训练;磁刺激组在常规康复治疗基础上增加健侧1Hz rTMS;联合组在常规康复治疗基础上增加健侧1Hz rTMS联合核心稳定训练。3组均持续干预3周。比较3组治疗前后的腹横肌(TrA)、腹内斜肌(IO)和腹外斜肌(EO)的厚度,同时进行Fugl-Myer运动功能(FMA)、Berg平衡量表(BBS)及改良Barthel指数(MBI)评定。结果:治疗3周后,3组FMA、BBS和MBI评分均较治疗前明显提高(均P<0.001);联合组和磁刺激组患侧TrA、IO及EO的厚度与治疗前相比均明显增加(均P<0.05),而对照组上述指标较治疗前增加差异无统计学意义。组间比较,联合组的FMA、患侧TrA厚度分别与磁刺激组比较,联合组的FMA、BBS、MBI、患侧TrA和患侧EO厚度分别与对照组比较,磁刺激组MBI与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。3组健侧TrA、I...     

触觉振动反馈训练对脑卒中后偏瘫患者平衡及行走功能的影响

目的 观察自行研发的触觉振动反馈训练系统对脑卒中后偏瘫患者平衡与步行能力的影响。 方法 将符合入选标准的恢复期偏瘫患者50例,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组25例,2组患者均接受常规的运动训练、神经肌肉电刺激疗法、生物反馈疗法。在此基础上,观察组每日配合人体步态增加1 h的触觉振动反馈训练,每周5 d;对照组每日增加自行步行训练1 h,每周5 d。分别于治疗前和治疗6周后(治疗后),采用Berg平衡量表（BBS）、Time up and go（TUG）行走测试、下肢Fugl-Meyer评定量表（FMA-LE）评定下肢运动功能,使用美国产Gaitrite步态分析仪获取2组患者的步态参数,选取健侧步长、患侧单支撑相时长/健侧单支撑相时长进行统计学比较和分析。 结果 治疗前,2组患者的健侧步长、患侧单支撑相时长/健侧单支撑相时长、BBS评分、TUG测试时长、FMA-LE评分组间差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05)。治疗后,2组患者的健侧步长、患侧单支撑相时长/健侧单支撑相时长、BBS评分、TUG测试时长、FMA-LE评分均较组内治疗前明显改善（P<0.05）。治疗后,观察组的健侧步长［(60.2±8.2)cm］、患侧单支撑相时长/健侧单支撑相时长［(0.92±0.03)］、BBS评分［(42.9±5.5)分］、FMA-LE评分［(31.4±2.0)分］均显著优于对照组（P<0.05）,TUG测试时长［(15.3±5.4)s］显著短于对照组（P<0.05）。 结论 触觉振动反馈训练能显著提高脑卒中后恢复期偏瘫患者的平衡与步行功能,降低跌倒风险。     

Multifidus muscle size and percentage thickness changes among patients with unilateral chronic low back pain (CLBP) and healthy controls in prone and standing

The aim of this study was to determine if differences exist in lumbar multifidus (LM) thickness at rest and during activation, between individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and controls. Lumbar multifidus thickness was assessed via rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), and was performed in prone and standing both at rest and during muscle activation i.e. with a contralateral arm lift (CAL). Twenty participants were assessed; ten CLBP participants and ten controls. Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging was used to measure LM thickness and percentage thickness change at L4/L5 and L5/S1 in four positions; prone at rest, prone during activation with a CAL, standing at rest, and standing during activation with a CAL. Independent and paired t-tests were used to calculate differences in LM thickness and percentage thickness change between groups, and also between sides in the CLBP group. There was a significant difference in LM percentage thickness change in standing during activation with a CAL; the CLBP demonstrated a greater percentage thickness increase at L5/S1 compared to the controls, (p = 0.05). There were no differences between groups at the L4/L5 level for this position. There were no differences between the groups for LM thickness or percentage thickness change in prone or standing at rest, or during activation with a CAL in prone. Within the CLBP group, no significant between side differences were found. These results give preliminary insight into possible differences in LM contractile behaviour during functional movements in CLBP, however, larger scale research is warranted.     

Distribution of cavitations as identified with accelerometry during lumbar spinal manipulation

Objective

This project determined the location and distribution of cavitations (producing vibrations and audible sounds) in the lumbar zygapophyseal (Z) joints that were targeted by spinal manipulative therapy (SMT).

Methods

This randomized, controlled, clinical study assessed 40 healthy subjects (20 men, 20 women) 18 to 30 years of age who were block randomized into SMT (group 1, n = 30) or side-posture positioning only (group 2; control, n = 10) groups. Nine accelerometers were placed on each patient (7 on spinous processes/sacral tubercles of L1-S2 and 2 placed 3 cm left and right lateral to the L4/L5 interspinous space). Accelerometer recordings were made during side-posture positioning (groups 1 and 2) and SMT (group 1 only). The SMT was delivered by a chiropractic physician with 19 years of practice experience and included 2 high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts delivered in rapid succession. Comparisons using χ² or McNemar test were made between number of joints cavitating from group 1 vs group 2, upside (contact side for SMT) vs downside, and Z joints within the target area (L3/L4, L4L5, L5/S1) vs outside the target area (L1/L2, L2/L3, sacroiliac).

Results

Fifty-six cavitations were recorded from 46 joints of 40 subjects. Eight joints cavitated more than once. Group 1 joints cavitated more than group 2 joints (P < .0001), upside joints cavitated more than downside joints (P < .0001), and joints inside the target area cavitated more than those outside the target area (P < .01).

Conclusions

Most cavitations (93.5%) occurred on the upside of SMT subjects in segments within the target area (71.7%). As expected, SMT subjects cavitated more frequently than did subjects with side-posture positioning only (96.7% vs 30%). Multiple cavitations from the same Z joints had not been previously reported.     

Prevalence of Radiographic Findings in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain Screened for a Randomized Controlled Trial: Secondary Analysis and Clinical Implications

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to measure the prevalence of graded disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, transitional segmentation, and the distribution of sacral slope in patients 21 to 65 years of age with chronic low back pain (CLBP).MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 247 digital lumbar radiographic series obtained during a randomized controlled trial of chiropractic patients with CLBP. Chronic low back pain was defined as pain in the low back lasting 12 weeks or longer. Radiographic findings of disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, and lumbosacral transitional segmentation were graded by 2 authors using established classification criteria. Sacral slope was measured with a digital tool contained within imaging software.ResultsLumbosacral transitional segments graded I to IV (Castellvi classification) were present in 14% of cases. Lumbar disc degeneration was most prevalent at L3-4 (49%), followed by L4-5 (42%), L2-3 (41%), L5-S1 (37%), and L1-2 (29%). Isthmic spondylolisthesis was present in 5% of cases, with L5 the most common location. Degenerative spondylolisthesis demonstrated a prevalence of 18%, most commonly occurring at L4. The prevalence of degenerative spondylolisthesis was 51% for women aged 50 to 59 years and 24% for men in the same age range.ConclusionsModerate-severe disc degeneration, multilevel disc narrowing, and degenerative spondylolisthesis were common in individuals with CLBP with age more than 40 years. Isthmic spondylolisthesis was not more prevalent than what has been reported in other populations. Transitional segmentation was identified in a minority of participants, with some of these exhibiting accessory joints or fusion. Mean sacral slope in individuals with CLBP was not substantially different from mean slopes reported in other populations.     

综合性康复治疗对慢性阻塞性肺病缓解期患者生存质量的影响

目的探讨综合性肺康复治疗对慢性阻塞性肺病(COPD)缓解期患者生命质量的影响。方法35例COPD缓解期患者分为肺康复组(n=20)与对照组(n=15)。肺康复组给予体能锻炼、呼吸肌锻炼、氧疗、宣教、心理与行为干预等综合性肺康复治疗措施。对照组仅在门诊取药治疗。利用生存质量(QOL)评分标准分别在治疗前、治疗后第4周、12周、24周、1年时对两组患者生存质量评估。结果肺康复组治疗后其QOL总均分(TMS)、社会活动分(F1S)、日常生活因子分(F2S)、抑郁因子分(F3S)、焦虑因子分(F4S)评分较治疗前均有所降低(P<0.05,P<0.001)。而对照组则差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。结论综合性的肺康复治疗能改善患者的生存质量。     

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Combined With Oral Medication and Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo compare extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with oral medication and an exercise program vs sham treatment with medication and exercise for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP).DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingOutpatient clinic at a university hospital.ParticipantsEligibility criteria were age older than 18 years and duration of CLBP exceeding 3 months. Exclusion criteria were concurrent treatment or history of surgery for CLBP, cancer, fractures, infections, and disk degeneration.InterventionThe intervention group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy once a week for 4 weeks along with oral medications and an exercise program. The control group received sham extracorporeal shock wave therapy along with oral medications and an exercise program.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess pain and disability at baseline and after 3 months.ResultsThe pain score in the intervention group (N=16) was 6.6 at baseline and 3.0 after 1 month (P<.0001) and 1.8 after 3 months (P<.0001). In the control group (N=16), the pain score was 6.8 at baseline, 4.6 after 1 month (P<.0001), and 1.1 after 3 months (P<.0001). ODI scores decreased significantly in both groups compared with baseline values (first month: P<.001, third month: P<.05). The mean ODI score did not differ significantly between the groups (P=.942).ConclusionExtracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with oral medication and exercise was safe and effective in the short-term treatment of chronic low back pain.     

Classifying subgroups of chronic low back pain patients based on lifting patterns

Slaboda JC, Boston JR, Rudy TE, Lieber SJ. Classifying subgroups of chronic low back pain patients based on lifting patterns.

Objective

To compare self-reported measures of chronic lower back pain (CLBP) patients who were assigned to 2 subgroups based on their lifting patterns performed during a repetitive lifting task.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Research laboratory

Participants

CLBP subjects (n=81) and pain-free controls (n=53).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Measures of lifting patterns and self-reported disability, pain, and psychosocial aspects.

Results

Two CLBP subgroups were found: 1 group that lifts similarly to control subjects (n=35) and 1 group that lifts very differently from controls (n=46). The CLBP group that lifted differently than controls reported higher pain intensity (P=.005), higher pain severity (P=.025), and lower self-efficacy (P=.013) than the CLBP group that lifted similarly to controls.

Conclusions

A classification system based on lifting patterns identified 2 CLBP subgroups that were significantly different on lifting and self-reported measures, indicating the importance of physical functioning measures in classification systems.     

超声视觉反馈下的核心训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者腹横肌厚度及运动功能的影响

目的:探讨肌骨超声视觉反馈作用下的核心训练相比传统核心训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者患侧腹横肌厚度及运动功能的影响。方法:选取48例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为观察组和对照组各24例,观察组进行超声视觉反馈下的核心训练及常规康复训练,对照组进行传统核心训练及常规康复训练。分别在治疗前、治疗4周后测量2组患者患侧腹横肌厚度和深感觉障碍者腹横肌厚度,采用Brunel平衡量表(BBA)、Hauser步行指数、脑卒中姿势控制量表(PASS)对患者进行评定。结果:治疗4周后,2组患者患侧腹横肌厚度较治疗前均显著增加(均P<0.01),观察组深感觉障碍患者的腹横肌厚度较治疗前和对照组均显著增加(均P<0.01),BBA和PASS评分较治疗前均明显提高(均P<0.01),Hauser评分较治疗前均明显降低(均P<0.01);且观察组BBA评分更高于对照组(P<0.05),但2组患侧腹横肌厚度、Hauser评分及PASS评分治疗前后比较差异均无统计学意义。结论:超声视觉反馈作用下的核心训练不仅可以提高偏瘫患者患侧腹横肌厚度,尤其对深感觉障碍患者效果显著,而且可以改善他们的平衡功能、促进运动功能恢复。     

氟马西尼治疗急性苯二氮艹卓类药物中毒症状——昏迷的临床应用价值的研究

目的 :探讨苯二氮艹卓 类受体拮抗剂氟马西尼抗昏迷治疗的临床应用价值。方法 :随机将 12 6例急性苯二氮艹卓 类药物 (BZDs)中毒患者分为氟马西尼治疗组和常规治疗组 ,每组均为 6 3例。疗效分析采用修改的Glasgow昏迷量表 (MGCS)和观察者对患者的机敏力 /镇静程度评判量表 (OAA/ S)。结果 :6 3例 BZDs中毒患者经氟马西尼治疗后 15、30、6 0和 180分钟 MGCS得分较治疗前分别增加 5 .3分、8.0分、9.4分和 8.3分 ,与常规治疗组比较 ,MGCS得分则分别增加 5 .2分、7.7分、8.7分和 6 .9分 ,差异均具有显著性 (P均 <0 .0 1)。以OAA / S比较 2组疗效 ,氟马西尼治疗后平均得分值增加 1.8分 ,与常规治疗组比较 ,亦具有显著性差异 (P<0 .0 1)。结论 :氟马西尼治疗急性 BZDs中毒确有明显的症状逆转作用 ,且无严重的不良反应     

Determining the Activation of Gluteus Medius and the Validity of the Single Leg Stance Test in Chronic,Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Objectives

To determine the activation of the gluteus medius in persons with chronic, nonspecific low back pain compared with that in control subjects, and to determine the association of the clinical rating of the single leg stance (SLS) with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and gluteus medius weakness.

Design

Cohort-control comparison.

Setting

Academic research laboratory.

Participants

Convenience sample of people (n=21) with CLBP (>12wk) recruited by local physiotherapists, and age- and sex-matched controls (n=22). Subjects who received specific pain diagnoses were excluded.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Back pain using the visual analog scale (mm); back-related disability using the Oswestry Back Disability Index (%); strength of gluteus medius measured using a hand dynamometer (N/kg); SLS test; gluteus medius onset and activation using electromyography during unipedal stance on a forceplate.

Results

Individuals in the CLBP group exhibited significant weakness in the gluteus medius compared with controls (right, P=.04; left, P=.002). They also had more pain (CLBP: mean, 20.50mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13.11–27.9mm; control subjects: mean, 1.77mm; 95% CI, −.21 to 3.75mm) and back-related disability (CLBP: mean, 18.52%; 95% CI, 14.46%–22.59%; control subjects: mean, .68%; 95% CI, −.41% to 1.77%), and reported being less physically active. Weakness was accompanied by increased gluteus medius activation during unipedal stance (R=.50, P=.001) but by no difference in muscle onset times. Although greater gluteus medius weakness was associated with greater pain and disability, there was no difference in muscle strength between those scoring positive and negative on the SLS test (right: F=.002, P=.96; left: F=.1.75, P=.19).

Conclusions

Individuals with CLBP had weaker gluteus medius muscles than control subjects without back pain. Even though there was no significant difference in onset time of the gluteus medius when moving to unipedal stance between the groups, the CLBP group had greater gluteus medius activation. A key finding was that a positive SLS test did not distinguish the CLBP group from the control group, nor was it a sign of gluteus medius weakness.