Influence of lower limbs strength on trunk flexion and extension in chronic low back pain patients

Muscle strength in Brazilian firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study

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.

Effects of the Pilates method on variables related to functionality of a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5: A case study

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 is a rare complication in the spine, which impairs variables related to the functionality of the person affected.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the effects of the Pilates method on strength and muscular resistance, flexibility, postural balance and level of pain in a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5.

METHODS

The following evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention: resistance of the flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk; isokinetic peak torque of the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee; hip and torso flexibility; static postural balance; and the visual analog scale of pain. The treatment consisted of three weekly sessions of Pilates, performed over 12 weeks.

RESULTS

There was improvement in all the tests, except for one variable related to postural balance.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pilates method was effective for improving muscle resistance and strength, flexibility, postural balance and pain, in a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5.