Biomechanical testing as an aid to decision making in low-back pain patients

Frequently, the diagnosis of disease of the low back is a difficult matter due to the multitude of factors affecting the patient's symptoms. In this report an attempt is made to use biomechanical testing to objectify certain aspects of the diagnostic process. Our philosophy is that a biomechanical assessment is one of the disciplines that should be brought to bear on the low-back pain patient. A group of biomechanical tests has been developed by adding quantitative measurement techniques to certain standard clinical maneuvers: muscle testing, range of motion testing, and straight leg raising testing. Moire fringe topography is employed for studying posture. Results of application of these techniques to 117 patients and 10 controls indicate potential utility in the method for epidemiologic and clinical research.