Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Surgical Treatments for Postamputation Pain
Published on: March 8, 2024
Abnormal performance of cervical stabilizer muscles in individuals with low back pain
Chattrachoo Thongprasert1, R Kanlayanaphotporn1
1a Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok , Thailand.
Abstract:
Objectives: To compare the performance of cervical stabilizer muscles using the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) among individuals with subacute, chronic, and asymptomatic low back pain (LBP) conditions. Methods: Individuals with subacute (N = 23) and chronic LBP (N = 23) with their age- and gender-matched controls (N = 30) participated in this study. All recruited participants were required to perform the CCFT. The activation score (AS) and the performance index (PI) were recorded by an assessor who was blinded to the group of participants. Results: Approximately, 74% of subacute LBP participants and 60-65% of chronic LBP participants obtained abnormal AS and PI. AS was significantly lower in participants with subacute (P = 0.0002) and chronic LBP (P = 0.0009) than the control group. Likewise, the PI was significantly lower in participants with subacute (P = 0.0002) and chronic LBP (P = 0.0036) than the control group. Participants in the subacute LBP group showed significantly greater percentages of abnormal responses on the AS (P < 0.0001) and the PI (P = 0.0001) than the control. Discussion: Abnormal performance of cervical stabilizer muscles using the CCFT was demonstrated in a high proportion of participants with LBP. The findings highlight the plausible association in muscle control between cervical and lumbar stabilizers. Level of Evidence: 2b.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Abnormal Proliferation
Nuclear Stability
To hold positively charged protons together...
RNA Stability
Impact of Individuals on Individuals
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...

