Influences of trunk muscles on lumbar lordosis and sacral angle

The strength of abdominal muscle and back extensors or their balances are commonly mentioned as major indicators of potential low back pain (LBP). Former studies on anthropometrics in terms of trunk muscle strength seemed to lack precision in methodology. Furthermore, the extension-flexion ratio, which is a good parameter of trunk muscle balance, was not as much studied as simple maximum torques in this area of study.

To investigate relationship between trunk muscle strength and lumbar lordosis, sacral angle in patients who did not show significant abnormal findings on their simple lateral radiograph.

Thirty-one subjects were participated and their mean age was 35. Lumbar simple lateral radiograph was taken and lordotic angle was obtained by altered Cobb's method. Sacral angle was also examined on the same film. The relationship between these angles and muscle strength (isometric maximum torques and ratios of them) was investigated by the correlation analysis.

None of the isometric maximum torques was related to sacral angle or lordotic angle. However, the ratio of extension to flexion was significantly related to the lordotic angle (Pearson's correlation coefficient=0.491, p<0.01). Other ratios were not related to any of the angles.

An imbalance in trunk muscle strength can influence significantly lordotic curve of lumbar spine and might be one risk factor for potential low back pain.