Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the bivariate and multivariate relations between fatty
degeneration of the lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) and LMM function among
patients with low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional clinical study.
SETTING: Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with LBP (N=70) referred for lumbar
spine magnetic resonance imaging. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LMM morphology and function were measured at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 spinal
levels bilaterally. Quantitative measures of LMM intramuscular adipose tissue
(IMAT) were derived from T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Function was
assessed with ultrasound imaging by measuring change in LMM thickness during a
submaximal contraction task.
The study participants self-reported their level of
LBP-related disability (Modified Oswestry Index), pain intensity (numerical pain
rating scale), and physical activity (International Physical Activity
Questionnaire). Bivariate and multivariate relations between LMM morphology and
function were explored with correlational and hierarchical linear regression
analyses, respectively. Additionally, we explored for possible covariates with
potential to modify the relation between LMM IMAT and function. RESULTS: There
were 70 participants (12 women) enrolled in the study (mean age, 45.4+/-11.9y). A
high level of physical activity was reported by 45.5% of participates. Age, sex,
and physical activity level demonstrated variable relations with LMM IMAT and LMM
function. There were no significant bivariate or multivariate relations between
LMM IMAT and LMM function. CONCLUSIONS: We observed higher levels of physical
activity and LMM function and less LMM IMAT than previous studies involving
patients with LBP. There was no relation between LMM morphology and function in
this cohort of patients with LBP. Issues specific to LMM measurement and
recommendations for future research are discussed.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS