BACKGROUND: Differences in LBP symptoms are particularly important
with regard to the controversy over repositioning error because there can be
considerable variation in the pattern of LBP symptoms in a heterogeneous LBP
group. For this reason, several researchers have suggested that a study of
subdivided LBP types is needed. Indeed, some recent studies have attempted
to differentiate LBP subgroups.
OBJECTIVE: This study used a comparative cross-sectional design to
compare the lumbar flexion angle and repositioning error between people with
and without LBP during a lumbar flexion-extension task.
METHODS: The subjects were divided into three groups: a control
group of 13 asymptomatic subjects, 13 LBP subjects with L4-5 pain associated
with lumbar flexion, and 13 LBP subjects with L4-5 pain associated with
lumbar extension. The subjects performed a lumbar flexion-extension task.
Joint kinematics on the lumbar flexion angle and lumbar spine repositioning
error were measured using a 3-D motion capture system.
RESULTS: The lumbar flexion angle of the LBP group with flexion
pain was significantly greater than that of the asymptomatic group and the
LBP group with extension pain. The difference in lumbar repositioning error
was significantly greater in the LBP group with lumbar flexion pain than in
the asymptomatic group.
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that lumbar hyper-mobility
occurred and proprioception of the lumbar segment was decreased in people
with LBP associated with lumbar flexion compared with people with LBP
associated with lumbar extension. We also suggest that a lumbar
repositioning error measurement using the lumbar flexion-extension test may
be a more effective evaluation method in people with LBP associated with
lumbar flexion than in those with LBP associated with lumbar extension.
