Article

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the reliability of a novel fiber-optic method to
dynamically measure lumbar curvature in low back pain (LBP) sufferers, and (2) to
investigate the dynamic lumbar curvature in acute and chronic LBP sufferers.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Physiotherapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Acute
(n=20) and chronic (n=20) LBP sufferers recruited from general practitioner and
therapist referrals. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
A fiber-optic device was used to measure curvature through time during flexion,
lifting, and extension movements. Repeated-measures reliability for
curvature-time curves was tested using coefficients of multiple correlation
(CMCs) and root mean square error, and for peak curvature values intraclass
correlation coefficients (ICCs) and mean absolute errors were used. Acute and
chronic LBP groups were compared using peak curvatures and sequencing of
curvature change. RESULTS: The fiber-optic method was shown to be highly reliable
in measuring both whole lumbar and lower lumbar curvature with CMC values >.81
and ICC values >.99. Chronic LBP sufferers displayed greater peak curvatures
during flexion and lifting for the whole lumbar spine and lifting for the lower
lumbar spine. The sequencing behavior demonstrated that the quartile of movement
associated with the greatest curvature change was the second for flexion and
lifting and first and second for extension across both groups. No significant
differences in sequencing were demonstrated between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS:
This method is reliable for dynamic lumbar curvature measurement in back pain
sufferers and is a viable option for clinicians. Acute LBP sufferers display less
kyphosis during flexion and lifting. Sequencing of curvature change is similar
across the 2 groups.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS