Lumbar Kinematics Assessment of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in Three Bridge Tests Using Miniaturized Sensors

Lumbar muscle atrophy, diminished strength, stamina, and increased fatigability have been associated with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). When evaluating patients with LBP, trunk or core stability, provided by the performance and coordination of trunk muscles, appears to be essential. Several clinical tests have been developed to identify deficiencies in trunk performance, demonstrating high levels of validity and reproducibility. The most frequently prescribed tests for assessing the core body muscles are the prone plank bridge test (PBT), the side bridge test (SBT), and the supine bridge test (SUBT). However, quantitative assessments of the kinematics of the lumbar spine during their execution have not yet been conducted. The purpose of our study was to provide objective biomechanical data for the assessment of LBP patients. The lumbar spine ranges of motion of 22 healthy subjects (Group A) and 25 patients diagnosed with chronic LBP (Group B) were measured using two inertial measurement units during the execution of the PBT, SUBT, and SBT. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in all three tests' kinematic patterns. This quantitative assessment of lumbar spine motion transforms the three bridge tests into an objective biomechanical diagnostic tool for LPBs that may be used to assess the efficacy of applied rehabilitation programs.

Automated summary

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is associated with lumbar muscle atrophy, diminished strength, stamina, and increased fatigability. Trunk or core stability, provided by the performance and coordination of trunk muscles, is essential in evaluating patients with LBP. The prone plank bridge test (PBT), side bridge test (SBT), and supine bridge test (SUBT) are frequently prescribed tests for assessing core body muscles. This study measured the lumbar spine ranges of motion during the execution of these tests and found statistically significant differences in kinematic patterns between healthy subjects and LBP patients. The results suggest that these tests can be transformed into objective biomechanical diagnostic tools for assessing the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for LBP.