Effects of Volitional Spine Stabilization and Lower Extremity Fatigue on Landing Performance in a Recurrent Low Back Pain Population

Lower extremity injuries and low back pain pervade everyday life. Along with injuries come the unavoidable physical, emotional, and economic costs, along with lost time and normal function [1]. Ankle sprains, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and hamstring muscle strains are the most common sports injuries [2]. Low back pain (LBP) can significantly influence an individual's quality of life and will affect between 60-80% of the population [3]. Additionally, LBP can alter functional ability and increase the risk of lower extremity injury [4]. A volitional preemptive abdominal contraction (VPAC) is commonly used to improve lumbar spine stabilization and reduce pelvic motion in individuals with spine dysfunction. The VPAC influences lower extremity motion control and potentially reduces the risk of injury [5]. Fatigue serves as a major risk for injury that alters muscle shock absorbing capacity and coordination of the locomotor system [6]. The effects of spine stabilization on people with recurrent low back pain are well documented [4]. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that volitional spine stabilization strategies would modulate the effects of lower extremity fatigue on lower extremity and trunk mechanics, as well as neuromuscular control during landing in people with and without recurrent low back pain.