The relationship between active and neural measures in patients with nonspecific low back pain

Cross-sectional study of 50 individuals with nonspecific low back pain (LBP).

To evaluate the relationship between active and neural measurements in individuals with nonspecific LBP.

The Panjabi model for spinal stability consists of 3 interacting subsystems. Specific musculoskeletal measurements can be identified within the active and neural systems. The relationships among measures within this model have not been identified.

A total of 50 individuals with nonspecific LBP were evaluated for measures of the active and neural stability systems, and analyzed using a canonical correlation analysis, which is used to measure the relationship between 2 multidimensional variables.

There were 2 significant relationships identified. The first identified a relationship among fatigue, flexion relation, and the feedforward abdominal response (r = 0.764, P < 0.001). The second relationship was between the Sorenson endurance test and feedforward abdominal response (r = 0.697, P = 0.006).

Identification of relationships between back pain measurements may allow discrimination between individuals with different histology and pain levels. This process may assist the specificity of treatment programs prescribed for patients with back pain.