Article

Previous research of transversus abdominis (TrA) and multifidus
muscle function in the presence of chronic low back pain (LBP) has investigated
these muscles in isolation. In clinical practice, it is assumed that a
relationship exists between these muscles and so they are often assessed and
rehabilitated together. However, no studies have tested or documented this
association. This study aimed to examine the relationships between clinical
muscle testing and other measures taken in the course of a clinical assessment at
a back clinic. This retrospective chart audit examined the files of 82
patients (40 Males, 42 Females) for results of clinical tests of TrA and
multifidus muscle contraction, multifidus muscle size measurements and other
clinical measures such as distribution of pain and pain on manual examination.
RESULTS: The ability to contract multifidus was related to the ability to
contract TrA with the odds of a good contraction of multifidus being 4.5 times
higher for patients who had a good contraction of TrA. A poor ability to contract
multifidus was related to poor TrA contraction. Patients with unilateral LBP had
more multifidus muscle asymmetry (11.6%) than those with bilateral/central pain
(0.01%) and had a poor multifidus contraction on the affected side (p < 0.01). No
other significant relationships were found. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION - Current
clinical practice of assessment and rehabilitation of both TrA and multifidus
muscles in patients with chronic LBP is supported by the findings of this study.
Future studies may investigate if a neurophysiological relationship exists
between these muscles.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS