Differences in symmetry of lumbar region passive tissue characteristics between people with and people without low back pain

Sara P. Gombatto, Barbara J. Norton, Sara A. Scholtes, Linda R. Van Dillen

This study examined the differences in passive tissue characteristics of the lumbar region during a physiological movement between people with and people without low back pain.  Subjects were moved passively through a trunk lateral bending motion on a passive movement device whilst outcome measures were reported. People in the Rotation with Extension low back pain subgroup demonstrated greater asymmetry of passive elastic energy than people without low back pain. There were no differences between groups in symmetry of lumbar region extensibility.

Asymmetry in passive elastic energy of the lumbar region may be related to the low back pain problem in the Rotation with Extension subgroup. The asymmetry in passive elastic energy may be associated with asymmetry of loading on the spine, which has been reported to be a risk factor for low back pain. Thus, it may be important to consider the asymmetry when planning an intervention strategy for people in the Rotation with Extension subgroup.

Clinical Biomechanics, 2008, 23(8), 986-995

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