The relationship between abdominal muscle activity and pain, disability and fear of movement during standing postural tasks in females with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Abstract

Introduction: It appears that the level of fear of movement changes deep trunk muscle activity in the patients with low back pain (LBP). There is no study to investigate the relationship between deep trunk muscle activity and fear of movement in the patients with LBP. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between abdominal muscle activity and pain, disability and fear of movement during standing postural tasks in females with chronic nonspecific LBP. Materials and Methods: Forty four females participated were asked to maintain their balance during standing on the platform stability levels of Biodex Balance System (BBS). Concurrently, ultrasonography (US) data about abdominal muscles thickness measurement were transferred and saved to process offline. The pain intensity, disability and fear of movement were assessed by valid scales and questionnaire. Results: There was not significant correlation between abdominal muscle thickness changes and pain and disability intensity (P>0.05), while significant and inverse correlation between deep abdominal muscle thickness changes and fear of movement was observed in the patients (P<0.05), although this correlation is weak (r= -0.36- -0.32). Conclusion: It seems that increases in fear of movement decrease significantly deep abdominal muscles activity in the patients with LBP. This relationship demonstrates the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy and controlling fear of movement on improvement of deep abdominal muscle activity in the patients with LBP

Keywords

• Low Back Pain
• Abdominal Muscles
• Pain
• Evaluation Disability
• Fear