Does physical performance demonstrate patient-reported outcomes after lumbar spine surgery?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

• Clinical practice often faces time and resource constraints, limiting comprehensive patient assessments after Lumbar Spine Surgery (LSS).
• Evaluating the interplay between physical function and patient-reported outcomes is crucial for effective LSS recovery management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between objective physical performance measures and subjective patient-reported outcomes in individuals post-LSS.
• To determine if physical performance tests can predict functional status and pain levels in the LSS population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 50 participants at least six months post-LSS.
• Utilized Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), Lumbar Spine Instability Questionnaire (LSIQ), One Leg Stance Test (OLST), Semi-Tandem Stance Test (STST), 4-meter Gait Speed Test (4MGS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG).

Main Results:

• The 4-meter Gait Speed Test (4MGS) demonstrated a strong inverse correlation with the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI) (r=-0.535, p<0.01), indicating better function with higher speed.
• The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) showed a strong positive correlation with mODI (r=0.564, p<0.01).
• Higher gait speed (4MGS) was a significant predictor of lower mODI scores (standardized ß=-0.538, p=0.021).

Conclusions:

• Good balance and physical performance are linked to reduced pain and disability following Lumbar Spine Surgery.
• The 4-meter Gait Speed Test (4MGS) shows significant potential for predicting patient-reported functional status after LSS, offering a practical assessment tool.