Evaluation of Disability and Physical Performance Based on Mechanical and Inflammatory Component in Chronic Low Back...

The aim of this study was to perform the validity and reliability analysis of the Turkish-language version of the Mechanical and Inflammatory Low Back Pain Index (MILBPI), which is used to determine mechanical and inflammatory components in chronic low back pain (CLBP). The effects of mechanical and inflammatory components on disability and physical performance in patients with CLBP were investigated.

In the first phase of the study, 120 CLBP patients aged 18-65 years were included in the Turkish-language version validity and reliability analysis of MILBPI. In the second phase of the study, the mechanical and inflammatory components of CLBP were determined in 50 patients using the Turkish-language version valid and reliable MILBPI and the effects of these components on disability and physical performance were investigated. Tests for walking, timed get-up and go, sitting and standing and trunk flexion were used to assess physical performance. Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) was used to assess disability.

Factor loadings of the index items were above 0.30 which explained 83.237% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found 0.735. Test-retest analysis of the index was highly correlated. LBP score of the components was significantly associated with disability (P1 < .05). Inflammatory component had a statistically significant relationship with trunk flexion (P1 < .05), while the mechanical component had no significant effect on walking (P1 > .05).

According to the analyses in the first phase of our study, MILBPI is a valid and reliable scale in Turkish-language version. Additionally, the mechanical and inflammatory components of pain determined using MILBPI have an impact on some physical performance parameters and disability.