Relationship between hip muscle strength and disability in patients with nonspecific low-back pain: A cross-sectional study

Sheetal V. Pai, Charu Eapen*, Ashish J. Prabhakar, Saurabh Mehta

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Low-back pain (LBP) is reported to be single largest cause of disability worldwide. The hip is related to LBP due to its close association with the lumbopelvic region as well as the biodynamic relationship between hip joint and lumbar spine. We set out to evaluate the relationship between gluteus maximus (GMax) and gluteus medius (GMed) muscle strength and disability in patients with nonspecific (NS) LBP. We recruited 52 subjects with NSLBP and assessed maximal isometric strength of GMax and GMed using a universal digital push–pull dynamometer and the Modified Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (MODQ). After adjusting for potential covariates, we found that GMax strength was not associated with MODQ scores (p = 0.06) in individuals with NSLBP. However, GMed strength was significantly associated with MODQ scores (p = 0.02) in these patients. No difference was present in gluteal muscle strength between the two sides. We found that GMed strength is significantly associated with perceived disability in individuals who suffer from NSLBP. Rehabilitation practitioners involved in managing individuals with NSLBP must screen for GMed strength and address results using appropriate interventions should weakness be found.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalCritical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume33
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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