Isokinetic multisystem joint dynamometry in evaluation of paraspinal muscle strength of chronic low back pain

Abstract EN

Materials: This study was carried out on 22 male patients suffering from chronic low back pain and 20 healthy male persons serving as a control group.

The mean age of the patients’ group was 29.41+6.19, the mean weight 74.36+7.42 and mean height 167.46+13.66.

The mean age of the control group was 26.26+ 2.42, the mean weight 75+8.05 and mean height 171.11+3.04.

Methods: All patients and controls were subjected to complete clinical examination (neurological examination was done to exclude any neurological deficit).

Plain X-Rays and CT scans of the lumbar spine were done to exclude those patients with disc lesions.

Isokinetic evaluation of the back muscles was performed using the Biodex multisystem joint dynamometer.

The strength parameters [peak torque and total work] during flexion and extension were recorded at 30 and 120 degrees/Sec.

Results: There was a significant decrease of strength parameters (peak torque and total work) in the patients suffering from chronic low back pain than the control group.

Also there was a significant difference in Flexion/extension ratio at 30 degree/Sec.

between patients and control, while at 120 degree/sec, there was no significant difference.

Conclusion: Our study gives us a good idea about the muscle status in low back pain patients, as muscle weakness is usually followed by more weakness.

So degenerative changes develop and follow a vicious circle.

So, if muscle weakness is corrected, the process will be aborted and improvement ensues.