Relationships and Influencing Factors for Each Item of the Lumbar Motor Control Test

Abstract

The lumbar motor control (LMC) test battery is widely used to assess LMC. Although studies have reported its reliability and discriminative validity, the inter-item relationships and item-specific determinants have been insufficiently characterized, with evidence remaining limited. Clarifying these aspects may enhance the interpretation of test results and support more precise clinical decision-making. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationships among the items of the LMC test battery and identify the factors associated with each item. In total, 194 participants from a community health event were included in this study. Factors such as age, sex, low back pain, muscle mass, and autonomic balance were measured along with the LMC test battery. Muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and autonomic balance was assessed via heart rate variability. The relationships between LMC test battery items were analyzed using chi-square tests, and the factors influencing each item were identified using logistic regression analysis. Although most LMC test battery items showed positive correlations, the pelvic tilt test showed negative correlations with several other items. Age, sex, autonomic balance, and lower limb muscle mass were identified as significant contributors to specific tests; however, no factor was common to all items. Our results indicate that the total score, specific relationships between test items, and influencing factors of each item should be considered when interpreting the results of the LMC test battery.