Strength and endurance of lumbar dorsal muscle and their correlation with quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the maximum isometric strength and endurance of lumbar dorsal muscle extensors in patients with degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), and analyze their correlation with the quality of life (QOL). Methods Fifty-six DSD patients admitted in our hospital from May 2018 to March 2019 were collected as the deformity group, and 32 healthy subjects during the same time served as the control group. After admission, the maximal voluntary exertion strength (MVE) strength and endurance time (ET) of all participants were assessed by standing isometric tension test. Their Oswestry disability index (ODI) and 36 simple health questionnaire score (SF-36) were used for the participants. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris low back pain dysfunction score (RMD) were also collected in the DSD group. The correlations of MVE and ET in the DSD group with VAS, ODI, RMD and SF-36 scores were analyzed. Results MVE strength, ET and SF-36 scores of lumbar dorsal muscles were significantly lower in the DSD group than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and ODI score was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ET between the 2 groups. MVE strength was negatively correlated with VAS, ODI and RMD in the DSD group (P < 0.05), and positively with SF-36 total score and physiological function, role physical, body pain, vitality and social function (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between ET and QOL in the DSD group. Conclusion DSD patients have a decrease in the maximum isometric strength of lumbar dorsal muscle. Improving the lumbar dorsal muscle strength is important for a better QOL in them.

Keywords

• degenerative spinal deformity
• lumbar dorsal muscle
• strength-endurance
• quality of life