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Some endurance measures in persons with chronic low back pain
M Moffroid1, S Reid, S M Henry
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405-0068.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Assessing muscle endurance in chronic low back pain patients is crucial. Self-reported activity levels significantly impact endurance test results, highlighting the need for this consideration in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) frequently involves muscle fatigue and reduced endurance.
- Standardized methods for assessing endurance in CLBP populations are lacking.
- Existing endurance tests often rely on maximal voluntary contractions, which may not be suitable for all CLBP patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate three non-maximal voluntary contraction endurance measures for CLBP patients.
- To investigate the interrelationships between these endurance measures.
- To examine the influence of gender, obesity, smoking, and self-reported fitness on endurance test outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Three endurance measures were employed: the Sorensen test (holding time), median frequency decline in selected muscles via electromyography, and a submaximal bicycle ergometer test.
- Thirty-five individuals with CLBP completed questionnaires on daily exercise and underwent the endurance tests.
- Repeatability and correlations between measures were analyzed, considering demographic and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- The Sorensen test holding time and median frequency decline showed acceptable repeatability in individuals reporting higher activity levels.
- A significant correlation was found between the decline in median frequency of the biceps femoris muscle and Sorensen test holding time.
- Smoking, gender, and obesity levels did not significantly impact the results of the tested endurance measures.
- Individuals reporting higher activity levels achieved significantly better scores on the Sorensen test.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported activity level is a critical factor influencing endurance test performance in CLBP patients.
- The study highlights the importance of accounting for perceived physical activity when interpreting endurance assessments in this population.
- These findings support the development of tailored, non-maximal endurance assessments for individuals with chronic low back pain.