Influence of Physical Activity Level on Lumbar Movement Control

This study aims to compare the two groups of low back pain and health adults. To investigate the relationship among lumbar movement control, standing balance and physical activity. Methods used in the study will be clinical tools such as proprioception test, lumbar movement control, timed one-leg- standing balance and Y-balance test according to the Mat.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability that results in significant health and socioeconomic problems. Most of the LBP is non-specific and altered motor control is one of the possible causes. Motor control exercise (MCE) thus has been recently developed as a non-operative intervention for LBP. Recently, a series of lumbar movement control (LMC) tests have been advocated to evaluate impaired motor control of lumbar. To perform a coordinated movement pattern, normal proprioception (part of neural system) is thought to be essential. Poor proprioception related to delayed muscle response and altered motor control which possibly leading to deficits in postural control and balance in LBP population. Study showed standing balance was related to higher physical activity (PA) which has been promoted in all adults and proper amount is at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity; or at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week for substantial health benefits. As we know, there is no specific research about the relationship among PA, LMC and standing balance. Therefore, the purposes of the study are to investigate (1) the influence of different level of PA on LMC tests; (2) the influence of PA on standing balance; (3) the relationship of battery of LMC tests and standing balance in adults with and without LBP.

It is expected to recruit total 160 participants with and without LBP. The inclusion criteria for adults with LBP are: (1) aged from 20 to 65 years old, (2) persistent LBP for more than 3 months. For adults without LBP are: (1) aged from 20 to 65 years old, (2) no specific low back pain in the past 6 months. All the participants will fill in International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short form Taiwan Version, perform proprioception test for the lumbar spine, LMC tests, timed one-leg standing balance, and Y-balance test for the lower quarter (YBT-LQ). After finishing the examination, all the data will be analyzed by mix analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square analysis. Bonferroni post-hoc tests will be used to identify the significance within each analysis. Level of statistical significance was set at p\<0.05.

Keywords: Physical activity, motor control exercise, lumbar movement control, standing balance, proprioception

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* For adults with LBP are: (1) aged from 20 to 65 years old, (2) persistent LBP for more than 3 months.
* For adults without LBP are: (1) aged from 20 to 65 years old, (2) no specific low back pain in the past 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria: (for both groups)

* Musculoskeletal symptoms of lower extremity in the past 6 months
* History of surgeries, fractures, or ruptures to the musculoskeletal structures on the lower limbs and spine
* Congenital spinal pathologies and deformities
* Sensory and neurological deficits
* Pregnancy
* Body mass indexes (BMI) \>30 kg/m2
* Self-reported symptoms of dizziness
* Visual, vestibular or balance problems
* Other conditions affecting balance (eg, drug or alcohol consumption)