Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine predictors of community walking performance and walking
capacity in people with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), compared with people with
low back pain and asymptomatic control subjects. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis.
SETTING: University spine program. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=126; 50 LSS, 44
low back pain, 32 asymptomatic control subjects) aged 55 to 80 years were
studied. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Seven-day
community walking distance measured by pedometer (walking performance) and a
15-minute walking test (walking capacity).All participants had lumbosacral
magnetic resonance imaging, electrodiagnostic testing, and a history and physical
examination, including a history of pain and neurologic symptoms, a straight leg
raise test, and tests for directional symptoms, reflexes, strength, and nerve
tension signs. The study questionnaire included demographic information, a
history of back/leg pain, and questions about walking, exercise frequency, and
pain level, as well as the standardized Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale.
RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI), pain, age, and female sex predicted walking
performance (r(2)=.41) and walking capacity (r(2)=.41). The diagnosis of LSS
itself had no clear relationship with either walking variable. Compared with the
asymptomatic group, LSS participants had significantly lower values for all
walking parameters, with the exception of stride length, while there was no
significant difference between the LSS and low back pain groups. CONCLUSIONS:
BMI, pain, female sex, and age predict walking performance and capacity in people
with LSS, those with low back pain, and asymptomatic control subjects. While pain
was the strongest predictor of walking capacity, BMI was the strongest predictor
of walking performance. Average pain, rather than leg pain, was predictive of
walking performance and capacity. Obesity and pain are modifiable predictors of
walking deficits that could be targets for future intervention studies aimed at
increasing walking performance and capacity in both the low back pain and LSS
populations.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS