Correlation between Trunk-Pelvis Inter-Segmental Coordination Parameters during Walking and Disability Level in...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Clinical Rehabilitation
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) presents a significant therapeutic challenge, with disability influenced by various factors.
• Impaired inter-segmental coordination is common in CLBP, but its direct link to disability remains understudied.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for effective medical management of CLBP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between sagittal plane trunk-pelvis coordination during walking and disability in CLBP patients.
• To quantify trunk-pelvis coordination using specific kinematic parameters.
• To correlate these coordination parameters with validated disability scores.

Main Methods:

• Collected kinematic data from 16 CLBP volunteers (18-40 years) during walking.
• Calculated continuous relative phase to derive mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) for trunk-pelvis coordination.
• Assessed disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire.
• Employed Pearson correlation to analyze the relationship between coordination parameters and ODI scores.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between MARP and disability level (r=-0.806, P<0.001).
• A significant negative correlation was also observed between DP and disability level (r=-0.856, P<0.001).
• Lower MARP (more in-phase coordination) and lower DP (less variable coordination) were associated with higher disability.

Conclusions:

• Reduced trunk-pelvis coordination variability and increased in-phase movement patterns correlate with greater disability in CLBP.
• Clinicians should consider interventions targeting segmental coordination alongside pain management for CLBP rehabilitation.
• Improving trunk-pelvis coordination may be a key strategy for managing CLBP-induced disability.