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Relationship between sagittal spinal curves geometry and isokinetic trunk muscle strength in adults

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Abstract

Purpose

Sagittal spinal deviation has been reported to be a significant musculoskeletal problem affecting both genders and could develop at any age. Factors triggering this issue are still not well defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sagittal spine angles and isokinetic peak, average torque, and power of trunk muscles in asymptomatic adults.

Methods

A convenient sample of 79 subjects with asymptomatic spine participated in this study. Thoracic and lumbar curves angles were measured using the Formetric 4D device. Thoracolumbar (T/L) ratio was calculated as an indicator of spine balance. Isokinetic peak and average torque and average power for trunk flexors and extensors were measured at 60°/s in seated and semi-standing test positions.

Results

Lumbar curve angle was moderately inversely correlated (p < 0.001) with peak extension torque (ρ = − 0.532 and − 0.495 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively) and peak flexion torque (ρ = − 0.604 and − 0.542 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively). The T/L ratio was found to be significantly associated (p < 0.001) with trunk extension torque (ρ = 0.422 and 0.378 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively) and trunk flexion torque (ρ = 0.396 and 0.321 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively). Similarly, average torque and power measurements were significantly correlated with lumbar curve angle and T/L ratio.

Conclusions

Sagittal spine balance is associated with trunk muscles strength in adults, particularly, the lumbar spine muscles. Therefore, assessment of sagittal spinal balance and trunk muscles strength should be taken into consideration when designing rehabilitation programs for correction of sagittal spine curvature.

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Acknowledgment

This study was funded by a research grant from University of Dammam, Grant #: 2013225. The authors would like to thank Mr. Abdelaziz Alkwekbi for his contribution in data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 2435, Dammam, 31451, Saudi Arabia

    Walaa Elsayed, Qassim Muaidi & Nora Almulhim

  2. Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Ahmed Farrag

  3. Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

    Ahmed Farrag

Authors
  1. Walaa Elsayed
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  2. Ahmed Farrag
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  3. Qassim Muaidi
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Correspondence to Walaa Elsayed.

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Elsayed, W., Farrag, A., Muaidi, Q. et al. Relationship between sagittal spinal curves geometry and isokinetic trunk muscle strength in adults. Eur Spine J 27, 2014–2022 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5454-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5454-3

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