Comparison of Spinal Kinematics Between Asymptomatic Subjects and Patients With Low Back Pain

Haute Ecole de Santé Vaud22 enrolled

Overview

Low back pain (LBP) is a complex and common problem with major societal repercussions. Clinical evaluations, and especially functional assessments, are necessary for proper diagnosis and decisions on the most appropriate treatment. The assessment of lumbar kinematics has been frequently described. For instance, measures of range of motion (ROM), angular velocities and acceleration of the total lumbar spine (TLx) have demonstrated some differences between healthy subjects and LBP patients. However, recent evidence has suggested that models evaluating the TLx are insufficient. In fact, regional differences in kinematics have been described between the upper lumbar spine and the lower lumbar spine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences in spinal kinematics between healthy subjects and LBP patients using a multi-segment model of the spine that allows regional analysis.

A case-controlled study will be performed to compare asymptomatics subjects and patients with low back pain. ROM, angular velocities and coordination of the spine will be collected in a laboratory with a camera-based system (VICON). Subjects will have to perform normal ROM assessment in the three anatomical planes, as well as different functional activities such as sit to stand, step and walking. The measurement session will occur on one occasion for each participant.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 30 YearsMax age: 50 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Sufficient French level * BMI between 18 and 27 * Non-specific low back pain for more than 3 months (pain provoked by movements, postures or activities) Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Spondylolisthesis * Infection * Rheumatological or neurological diseases * Spinal fractures * Known spinal deformation (scoliosis, …) * Back surgery * Tumours * Radicular symptoms (with neurological signs). Pain irradiating in the lower limbs with decrease strength, sensitivity and reflex. * High level of pain (severity and irritability) at the time of experiment that prevents repeated movements. * Other concomitant pain or condition that could compromise the evaluation of lumbar kinematics.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Spinal kinematics

kinematics of the spine and pelvis will be measured with a camera-based system. Markers will be placed to have different segments of the spine (lower lumbar spine, upper lumbar spine, lower thoracic spine, upper thoracic spine). Variables such as range of motion, angular velocities or coordination (among others) will be measured.