An investigation of muscle imbalance between the hip flexors and extensors in chronic low back pain subjects
Item
- Title
- An investigation of muscle imbalance between the hip flexors and extensors in chronic low back pain subjects
- Author(s)
- Paynter Sean
- Abstract
- The incidence of low back pain is on the increase worldwide, therefore constant new measures on how to prevent this high cost 'plague' is crucial. OBJECTIVES To investigate the presence of muscle ratio imbalance of the hip flexors and extensors in chronic low back pain (CLBP) subjects, in comparison to non low back pain (NLBP) subjects, using the Cybex Norm. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION The causes of muscle imbalance are manifold. Over the years different theories have been proposed to the mechanism of this relatively 'new' and mystifying concept, such as the pelvic crossed syndrome and transversus abdominus (TrA) dysfunction. Research has shown that the major hip flexor and extensor muscles (Iliopsoas and Gluteus Maximus) play a stabilising role in the lumbo-pelvic region. It has become essential to assess these muscles in order to gain insight of their correlation with CLBP, as there is a lack of research within this field. METHODOLOGY Thirty-two subjects (11 NLBP and 19 CLBP subjects) were selected from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy (BCNO). Securely fastened in the supine position, all participants in both groups were required to perform hip flexion and extension of their dominant and non dominant limb. This was performed using two pre-set speeds at 60o/sec and 120o/sec on the Cybex Norm Dynamometer. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Statistical analysis using two sample t-tests found a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups in tests 1 and 2, and a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the two groups in tests 3 and 4. In addition there was a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.05) within the two groups in tests 1, 2, 3 and 4. These differences could be due to a greater expression of muscle imbalance, for example, reciprocal inhibition, altered movement patterns, pelvic crossed syndrome, and trigger points within the CLBP compared to the NLBP group. CONCLUSION There is a muscle power/strength ratio difference between the CLBP and NLBP group. The underlying cause for these differences is not established; this would require further investigation. These results enable the researcher to suggest that screening for such imbalances in the patient is critical for successful diagnosis and treatment of CLBP. Keywords: Muscle Imbalance, Chronic Low Back Pain, Hip Flexion, Hip Extension, Iliopsoas, Gluteus Maximus, Cybex Dynamometry, Angle of Peak Torque, Peak Torque Ratio, Average Power Ratio.
- presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 2002
- Date Submitted
- 1.11.2003 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Number of pages
- 74
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13020
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Keywords
- Muscles,Hip,Low Back Pain,Backache,Cybex Norm testing and rehabilitation system
- Recommended
- 1
- Item sets
- Thesis
Paynter Sean, “An investigation of muscle imbalance between the hip flexors and extensors in chronic low back pain subjects”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 22, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1318