Multi-joint system analysis evaluation of back and hip muscle activation in low back pain with chronic disc lesions

Abstract EN

This study was carried out on forty-seven patients suffering from chronic low back pain with more than six months duration.

They constituted 22 females and 25 males whose age ranged between 22-45 years with a mean of 36 + 3.8 years.

Twenty healthy subjects who matched in age and sex served as a control group.

All patients and controls were subjected to complete history and full clinical examination.

Patients were tested at different degrees per second for five repetitions of peak torque in extension and flexion.

Data were collected on the computer system incorporated in the Biodex 2 multi-joint system analysis apparatus and were printed out immediately.

The peak torque of extension was found to be significantly lower in those male patients with disc lesion at speeds of 60 and 120 degrees when compared to controls at the same speed as regards the hip muscles.

In the same group, the peak torque in flexion and extension was significantly lowered in male patients with disc lesions than the normal controls at both speeds of 60 and 120 degrees.

The peak torque of extension was found to be significantly lower in female patients with disc lesion at the speeds of 60 and 120 degrees when compared to controls.

As regards the hip muscles in the same group, the peak torque in flexion and extension were significantly lower in those female patients with disc lesion than in normal controls.