Chronic Non Specific Low Back Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Lumbar motor control dysfunction, Lumbopelvic parameters, Radiographic alignment, Transverse abdominis, Multifidus
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the relationship between motor control dysfunction (MCD) and radiographic parameters in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Participants will undergo specific clinical motor control tests and lumbar spine X-rays to evaluate the alignment and coordination of spinal and pelvic structures. Understanding this relationship may help improve rehabilitation strategies and reduce pain in affected individuals.
Detailed description
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with impaired neuromuscular coordination and motor control dysfunction (MCD). This study seeks to determine the correlation between MCD and radiographic parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and lumbar lordotic angle (LLA). A total of 64 participants aged 20-40 with NSCLBP will be evaluated at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Motor control will be assessed using a pressure biofeedback unit in two positions (crock lying and prone) via the Abdominal Draw-in Maneuver (ADIM). Radiographic measurements will be taken using lateral lumbar spine X-rays in standing posture. The aim is to identify whether poor activation of deep stabilizing muscles (Transverse Abdominus and Multifidus) correlates with abnormal pelvic alignment and altered spinal curvature. Outcomes may support more effective personalized rehabilitation protocols targeting neuromuscular control to improve spine-pelvis function in NSCLBP patients. Statistical analysis will include Pearson correlation to test for associations between motor control test performance and radiographic angle values.
Interventions
Participants will be assessed for lumbar motor control using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) during the Abdominal Draw-In Maneuver (ADIM) in both crock lying and prone positions. This is a non-invasive test to evaluate deep core muscle function (TrA and MF) in patients with NSCLBP. No therapeutic intervention will be administered.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* . Patients diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) for more than 3 months * Age between 20 and 40 years * Both males and females * Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 * No physical therapy or medical treatment during the last 3 months * Able and willing to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* • Patients with specific causes of low back pain (e.g., disc herniation, fractures, tumors, infections) * History of spinal or lower limb surgery or injury * Radiculopathy or neurological disorders affecting motor control * Diagnosed spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis, spondyloarthropathy, ankylosing spondylitis) * Contraindications to X-ray (e.g., pregnancy) * Patients currently undergoing physical therapy or medical intervention
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lumbar Lordotic Angle | At baseline (during initial assessment visit) | Radiographic measurement of the lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) in degrees to assess sagittal spinal alignment in patients diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain. |
| Pelvic Incidence Angle | At baseline (during initial assessment visit) | Measurement of Pelvic Incidence Angle in degrees obtained from lateral radiographic imaging in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. |
| Pelvic Tilt Angle | At baseline (during initial assessment visit) | Assessment of pelvic tilt angle in degrees as part of the evaluation of lumbopelvic alignment in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. |
| Sacral Slope Angle | At baseline (during initial assessment visit) | Evaluation of sacral slope angle in degrees based on standard radiographic imaging in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. |
| Lumbar Motor Control Assessment via Pressure Biofeedback during ADIM | At baseline (during initial assessment visit) | Evaluation of lumbar motor control using pressure biofeedback during the Abdominal Draw-In Maneuver (ADIM) from crook lying and prone position. Pressure changes in mmHg will be recorded to assess the ability to maintain abdominal contraction. |