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Trunk strength, back muscle endurance and low-back trouble
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Trunk extensor endurance was lower in individuals with prior disabling low-back trouble (LBT). Muscle strength and flexibility were unaffected by previous LBT episodes, suggesting muscle fiber differences may explain endurance variations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Low-back trouble (LBT) is prevalent in active populations.
- Understanding the relationship between LBT history and trunk muscle function is crucial for prevention and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the extent of prior low-back trouble and the strength and endurance of trunk muscles in occupationally active individuals.
Main Methods:
- Isometric trunk muscle strength (MVC) and endurance were measured in 77 postmen with varying LBT histories.
- Anthropometric measurements, joint flexibility, and fingertip-floor distance were assessed.
- Participants were grouped based on LBT severity: work-limiting, non-work-limiting, and no history.
Main Results:
- Isometric endurance time for trunk extensors was significantly shorter in the group with prior disabling LBT compared to those with less severe or no LBT.
- Trunk muscle strength, anthropometric data, and joint flexibility did not differ significantly across LBT history groups.
- Prevalence rates of LBT were higher in this cohort than in the general Danish population.
Conclusions:
- Reduced isometric endurance of trunk extensors may be linked to a history of significant low-back trouble.
- Potential differences in slow-twitch (ST) and fast-twitch (FT) muscle fiber distribution could explain the observed endurance variations.
- Trunk muscle strength and flexibility appear less affected by past low-back episodes.