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The Effects of Experimentally Induced Low Back Pain on Spine Rotational Stiffness and Local Dynamic Stability

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Abstract

Local dynamic stability, quantified using the maximum finite-time Lyapunov exponent (λ max), and the muscular contributions to spine rotational stiffness can provide pertinent information regarding the neuromuscular control of the spine during movement tasks. The primary goal of the present study was to assess if experimental capsaicin-induced low back pain (LBP) affects spine stability and the neuromuscular control of repetitive trunk movements in a group of healthy participants with no history of LBP. Fourteen healthy males were recruited for this investigation. Each participant was asked to complete three trials (baseline, in pain, and recovery) of 35 cycles of a repetitive trunk flexion/extension task at a rate of 0.25 Hz. Local dynamic stability and the muscular contributions to lumbar spine rotational stiffness were significantly impaired during the LBP trial compared to the baseline trial (p < 0.05); however, there was a trend for these measures to recover after a 1 h rest. This study provides evidence that capsaicin can effectively induce LBP, thereby altering spine rotational stiffness and local dynamic stability. Future research should directly compare the effects capsaicin-induced LBP and intramuscular/intraligamentous induced LBP on these same variables.

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Acknowledgment

This project was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada (RGPIN-2014-05560—R. Graham).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physical and Health Education, Schulich School of Education, Nipissing University, 100 College Drive, Box 5002, North Bay, ON, P1B 8L7, Canada

    Gwyneth B. Ross, Matthew Mavor & Ryan B. Graham

  2. Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, 28 Division Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Gwyneth B. Ross & Ryan B. Graham

  3. Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Stephen H. M. Brown

Authors
  1. Gwyneth B. Ross
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  2. Matthew Mavor
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Correspondence to Ryan B. Graham.

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Associate Editor Thurmon E. Lockhart oversaw the review of this article.

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Ross, G.B., Mavor, M., Brown, S.H.M. et al. The Effects of Experimentally Induced Low Back Pain on Spine Rotational Stiffness and Local Dynamic Stability. Ann Biomed Eng 43, 2120–2130 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-015-1268-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-015-1268-9

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