Does the performance of five back-associated exercises relate to the presence of low back pain? A cross-sectional observational investigation in regional Australian council workers

Abstract

ObjectivesInvestigate the relationships between the ability/inability to perform five physical test exercises and the presence or absence of low back pain (LBP).SettingRegional Australian council training facility.ParticipantsConsecutive participants recruited during 39 back education classes (8–26 participants per class) for workers in general office/administration, parks/gardens maintenance, roads maintenance, library, child care and management. Total sample (n=539) was reduced through non-consent and insufficient demographic data to n=422. Age 38.6±15.3 years, range 18–64 years, 67.1% male.MethodsCross-sectional, exploratory, observational investigation. LBP presence was ascertained from a three-response option questionnaire: 0=none/rarely (no) 1=sometimes (some), 2=mostly/always (most). Statistical correlation was performed with the number of the five test exercises the individual successfully performed: (1) extension in lying: 3 s; (2) ‘toilet squat’; feet flat, feet touched: 3 s; (3) full squat then stand up: 5 times; (4) supine sit-up, knees flexed: 10 times; and (5) leg extension, supine bilateral: 10 times.InterventionsNil.ResultsFor the group ‘no-some’, 94.3% completed 4–5 test exercises, while for group ‘With’, 95.7% completed 0–1 test exercises. The relationship between LBP presence and number of exercises performed was highly significant (χ2 (10)=300.61, p<0.001). Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression predicting LBP (0=no, 1=some, 2=most) from the number of exercises completed, substantially improved the model fit (initial-2LL=348.246, final-2LL=73.620, χ2 (2)=274.626, p<0.001). As the number of exercises performed increased, the odds of reporting ‘some LBP’ or ‘most LBP’ dropped substantially (ORs of 0.34 and 0.17, respectively).ConclusionThe ability to complete/not complete five test exercises correlated statistically and significantly with a higher LBP absence/presence in a general working population. Training individuals to complete such exercises could facilitate reductions in LBP incidence; however, causality cannot be inferred. Randomised trials are recommended to establish the potential efficacy of exercise-based approaches, considering these five selected exercises, for predicting and managing LBP.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Iranian Spinner Workers in the Textile Industry and its Association With Demographic and Lifestyle Characteristics

“…Our results revealed that physical exercise history decreased the prevalence of MSDs, in particular, the symptoms of the elbow (OR=0.4; CI=0.2, 0.9). Exercise habits significantly affect the health status of the whole musculoskeletal system [30]. A study performed in the hazelnut industry suggested that 88.6% of the workers had no exercise habits and the ratio of LBP was higher in the subjects who did not exercise [23].…”

Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review

“…Concurrently, there has been an escalation in imaging, opioid prescription, injections and surgery, with questionable benefit55–57 and higher risks 8 58. Changing physical risk factors like type of movement pattern,59 level of strength and conditioning60 61 and sustained or repeated postures,62 63 are relatively risk free, cost-effective and show great potential. Sleep posture is an example of a sustained physical risk factor that is modifiable 64 65.…”

Funktionelle Testungen zur Ermittlung des Return-to-Activity-Status bei Patienten mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen

“…4 , 5 kann Patienten gezeigt werden, welche körperlichen Voraussetzungen fehlen, um an das persönliche Ziel zu gelangen. Schließlich gibt es Hinweise darauf, dass bestimmte körperliche Übungen mit dem Auftreten von LBP in Zusammenhang stehen (siehe Testbatterie von Gabel et al 36 ). Ein gezieltes Trainingsprogramm könnte in diesem Fall entsprechende Wirkung zeigen.…”

“…Bei einer Studie mit Arbeitnehmern, die an einer Rückenschulgruppe teilnehmen, untersuchten Gabel et al [36] den Zusammenhang zwischen der Durchführbarkeit einer bestimmten Testbatterie von 5 Übungen ("Extension in lying", "Squat", "Raise up", "Sit up", "Leg extension") und dem Auftreten von LBP. 94,3 % der Patienten ohne LBP konnten mindestens 4 der 5 Tests durchführen.…”