Quantification of Lumbar Function

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Abstract
A prototype sagittal plane trunk strength tester was used to measure trunk strength in 286 chronic low-back pain patients. Initial data for this patient group are compared with data acquired previously from a group of controls, adjusted for age, sex, and body weight. Distinct patterns characterize the patient sample as opposed to the controls: (1) Patient values for both flexors and extensors were markedly decreased, with greater variability; (2) Extensor strength was affected more significantly than flexor strength; (3) Discrepancies between patients and controls were greater for females than for males; (4) High-speed dropoff ratios were much lower for patients, both in flexion and extension. These results demonstrate that strength deficits are a major factor in the deconditioning syndrome associated with chronic low-back pain.

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