Intramuscular Properties of Resting Lumbar Muscles in Patients with Unilateral Lower Limb Amputation

Abstract

Lower limb amputees (LLAs) have a high incidence of low back pain (LBP), and identifying the potential risk factors in this group is key for LBP prevention. This study analyzed the intramuscular properties of the resting lumbar muscle in thirteen unilateral LLAs and age-matched controls to predict the onset of LBP. To measure the lumbar intramuscular properties, resting erector spinae muscles located in the upper and lower lumbar regions were examined using a handheld myotonometer. The dynamic stiffness, oscillation frequency, and logarithmic decrement were measured. In our results, the stiffness and frequency of the upper lumbar region were greater in the amputee group than in the control, whereas the decrement did not differ between the two groups. Additionally, the measured values in the lower lumbar region showed no significant difference. Within each group, all three factors increased at the upper lumbar region. In the LLAs, the frequency and stiffness values of the upper lumbar on the non-amputated side were significantly higher than those on the amputated side. These results indicate that the upper lumbar muscles of the amputees were less flexible than that of the control. This study can help in providing therapeutic strategies treating LBP in amputees.

Keywords

• lower limb amputation
• low back pain
• lumbar intramuscular properties
• myotonometry