Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, São Paulo State University, Marília, Brazil | [b] Department of Physical Education, São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, Brazil
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Denise Martineli Rossi, São Paulo State University, Higyno Muzzi Filho, No: 737, University Campus – 17.525-900 – Marília, Brazil. Tel.: +55 1434021300; Fax: +55 1434021302; E-mail: denisemartineli@hotmail.com
Abstract: Background:Investigation and discrimination of neuromuscular variables related to the complex aetiology of low back pain could contribute to clarifying the factors associated with symptoms. Objective:Analysing the discriminative power of neuromuscular variables in low back pain. Methods:This study compared muscle endurance, proprioception and isometric trunk assessments between women with low back pain (LBP, n=14) and a control group (CG, n=14). Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis of the data were performed. Results:The muscle endurance time (s) was shorter in the LBP group than in the CG (p=0.004) with values of 85.81 (37.79) and 134.25 (43.88), respectively. The peak torque (Nm/kg) for trunk extension was 2.48 (0.69) in the LBP group and 3.56 (0.88) in the GG (p=0.001); for trunk flexion, the mean torque was 1.49 (0.40) in the LBP group and 1.85 (0.39) in the CG (p=0.023). The repositioning error (degrees) before the endurance test was 2.66 (1.36) in the LBP group and 2.41 (1.46) in the CG (p=0.664), and after the endurance test, it was 2.95 (1.94) in the LBP group and 2.00 (1.16) in the CG (p=0.06). Furthermore, the variables showed discrimination between the groups (p=0.007), with 78.6% of the individuals with low back pain correctly classified in the LBP group. In turn, variables related to muscle activation showed no difference in discrimination between the groups (p=0.369). Conclusion:Based on these findings, the clinical management of low back pain should consist of both resistance and strength training, particularly in the extensor muscles.
