Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the repositioning error of trunk flexion-extension in individuals with low back pain is different from that in those not experiencing low back pain when lifting and lowering external loads. DESIGN: A case-control study. SETTING: Physical therapy department of a medical centre. SUBJECTS: Twenty subjects with subacute low back pain and 20 control subjects without low back pain. INTERVENTIONS: Tasks with and without lifting and lowering an external load. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The trunk repositioning errors were measured with Measurand Shape Tape. RESULTS: In subjects with low back pain, trunk repositioning errors were significantly reduced when lifting and lowering an external load in the direction of flexion (3.77 +/- 1.26 degrees in a loaded condition versus 4.82 +/- 2.97 degrees in an unloaded condition; P < 0.05) and extension (3.17 +/- 2.15 degrees in a loaded condition versus 5.03 +/- 3.74 degrees in an unloaded condition; P < 0.05). In control subjects, trunk repositioning errors were not significantly changed when lifting and lowering an external load in the direction of flexion (2.80 +/- 1.39 degrees in a loaded condition versus 2.63 +/- 1.24 degrees in an unloaded condition; P > 0.05) and extension (2.87 +/- 11.40 degrees in a loaded condition versus 3.15 +/- 11.50 degrees in an unloaded condition; P > 0.05). The direction of motion (trunk flexion or extension) was not shown to be significant in this study. CONCLUSION: Performing the task whilst lifting or lowering a submaximal load showed a reduced trunk repositioning error in subjects with subacute low back pain. Lifting and lowering a submaximal load might be considered as one of the rehabilitative strategies to hasten a return to work.

Langue : ANGLAIS