The relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Unuvar, Bayram Sonmez^{a; *} | Gercek, Hasan^{b; 1} | Tufekci, Osman^{c; 2} | Torlak, Mustafa Savas^{b; 3} | Erbas, Onur^{d; 4}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey | [b] Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Vocational School of Health Services, KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey | [c] Private Farabi Hospital, Konya, Turkey | [d] Health Sciences Institute, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Bayram Sonmez UNUVAR, PhD, PT, KTO Karatay University, School of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, Akabe Mah. Alaaddin Kap Cad. B Blok No: 132 42020 Karatay, Konya, Turkey. E-mail: bayram.sonmez.unuvar@karatay.edu.tr, ORCID: 0000-0003-2095-3645.

Note: [1] ORCID: 0000-0001-7459-4452.

Note: [2] ORCID: 0000-0001-5140-3377.

Note: [3] ORCID: 0000-0002-8084-6203.

Note: [4] ORCID: 0009-0000-8918-1917.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common health issue, and such pains are often associated with muscle tightness. Understanding the link between lower back pain and tight lower extremity muscles is essential for effective pain management and enhanced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). METHODS: A total of 52 individuals with NSLBP were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Lower extremity muscle tightness was assessed using various clinical tests, including the Active Knee Extension Test, Active Straight Leg Raise, Ober Test, and Modified Thomas Test. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the correlation between muscle tightness, pain, and disability. RESULTS: The study found weak to moderate negative correlations between lower extremity muscle tightness and both pain intensity and disability in individuals with NSLBP (r: –0.287 to –0.526, p < 0.05). Dominant and non-dominant extremities exhibited differences in muscle flexibility, with the dominant extremity showing greater flexibility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:In individuals with NSLBP, lower extremity muscle tightness is closely related to pain severity and disability. These findings suggest that lower extremity muscle tightness plays a significant role in the severity of low back pain and disabilities. Additionally, the observed flexibility difference between dominant and non-dominant extremities warrants further investigation for more personalized treatment approaches.

Keywords: Chronic pain, disability evaluation, hamstring muscles, low back pain, lower extremity, muscle tightness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230547

Journal: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 323-330, 2024