Hip Abductor To Hip Adductor Strength Ratio Measurements In Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Background: The hip musculature is globally known to support the pelvis, which in turn can aid in reducing the occurrence of low back pain (LBP). Previous research has shown a decrease in strength of the hip abductors in patients with LBP. The hip abductors also have an important role in stabilizing the pelvis while walking. The hip adductors attach to the pubic symphysis and assist in stabilizing the pelvis. Due to the ability to activate and assist with hip and leg motions, the adductor muscles may have an effect on controlling hip motion to reduce LBP and sacroiliac dysfunction. The hip adductors have also shown to stabilize the femur during low extremity injuries. However, it is unknown if the hip adductors respond in a similar fashion when pertaining to those with LBP. Objective: To test the strength of the hip abductor and hip adductor musculature in patients with and without low back pain (LBP). Concurrently, the researchers attempted to produce a strength ratio measurement for the corresponding muscles in both healthy and LBP populations. Participants: Participants were allocated into either control (n=15, 179.9cm + 8.3, 75.6kg + 16.0, age 21.9 + 1.8) or LBP (n=15, 169.3cm + 9.3, 76.2kg + 18.5, age 21.9 + 4.3) groups based on the inclusion criteria. For the control group, the participant must have no pain, 0% on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 0 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and be between the age of 18-40. For the LBP group, the participant must score \u3e 3 on the VAS, 20-40% on the ODI, and meet 3 out of 4 of the clinical predictor rules for LBP, and between the age of 18-40. Those with previous surgeries from the low back and down, a specific diagnosis for LBP, or current pregnancy, were excluded from the study. Methods: Participants performed a straight leg raise (SLR) for hip adduction and hip abduction of both legs. Participants isometrically contracted at maximal force into a mobilization belt for 5 seconds. The mobilization belt was adjusted to desired range of motion, 10 of hip adduction and 30 of hip abduction. Data was recorded using a hand-held dynamometer connected to the mobilization belt to enforce an immoveable object. The highest value of the 3 trails was used. A strength ratio was calculated by dividing hip adductor strength from hip abductor strength for each leg. A ratio greater than 1 indicated stronger hip abductors. A one-way ANOVA was used to assess the hip strength ratio for each leg between groups. Results: There was no significant difference between LBP and control groups for hip strength ratios on the right (p=.785) and left limbs (p=237). Conclusion: The results of this study did not display any observable or significant difference between the two groups or corresponding ratio measurements. It is still inconclusive what the role the hip adductors play in patients with LBP. KEYWORDS: dynamometer; mobilization belt; muscle imbalance; straight leg rais