Affiliations: [a] Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Campus UnB Ceilândia, Brasília, Brazil
| [b] Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brazil
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Alexandre Lima de Araújo Ribeiro, Master and PhD Program in Physical Education, Faculdade de Educação Física, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília –DF, CEP: 70910-900, Brazil. E-mail: alexandrelaribeiro@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Imbalance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk could negatively influence spinal stability. OBJECTIVES:Investigate the strength balance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk in military firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). METHODS:One hundred and two male firefighters were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer at 120°/s and 60°/s to investigate the balance ratio between flexor and extensor (F/E) muscles. RESULTS:An F/E ratio of 0.72 (SD: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.67–0.76; SEM: 0.02) was observed at 60°/s and 0.94 (SD: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.85–1.03; SEM: 0.04) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the extensor muscles was 343.1 N.m/Kg (SD: 94.87; 95% CI: 322.8–363.5; SEM: 10.23) at 60°/s and 270.5 N.m/Kg (SD: 113; 95% CI 246.3–294.8; SEM: 12.18) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the flexor muscles was 232.4 N.m/Kg (SD: 53.86; 95% CI 220.8–243.9; SEM: 5.81) at 60°/s and 223.8 N.m/Kg (SD: 66.34; 95% CI 209.6–238.1; SEM: 7.15) at 120°/s. All torques generated by the extensor muscles were higher than the flexor muscles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Firefighters with NSCLBP presented a normal F/E balance ratio and higher strength of extensor muscles of the trunk.
Keywords: Isokinetic dynamometer, rehabilitation, F/E ratio, peak torque, military firefighters
