Article

Although the straight leg raise (SLR) test frequently is used to
assess hamstring extensibility in individuals with low back pain (LBP), evidence
relating LBP, SLR, and hamstring extensibility remains unclear.
The SLR measures
the angle between the lifted leg and the horizontal, however, and, as such, it is
not a direct measure of the elongation capacity of the hamstrings. OBJECTIVE: To
examine the differences in hamstring elongation (quantified via ultrasonography)
and SLR score between individuals with LBP and asymptomatic controls and to
determine the relationship between hamstring elongation, SLR, and functional
disability scores. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: University laboratory.
PARTICIPANTS: Forty men and women with chronic LBP (mean +/- SD, age 43.51 +/-
3.71 years and 40 control subjects (age 45.11 +/- 4.01 years) participated in
this study. ASSESSMENT: Passive SLR, elongation assessed via ultrasonography, and
functional disability. ASSESSMENT AND OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: SLR score, elongation
of tendinous tissue within the semitendinosus muscle, and Oswestry Disability
Index. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance tests indicated a significantly
lower SLR score and a greater Oswestry score in LBP group compared with control
subjects (P < .05). In contrast, there were no significant group differences in
hamstring elongation (P > .05). Gender did not have an effect on all dependent
measures (P > .05). Hamstring elongation showed a low correlation with SLR score
and a minimal correlation with Oswestry score.
CONCLUSIONS: These results
indicate that the SLR score is not determined by hamstring elongation (quantified
via ultrasonography).
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS