The current study examined the validity and reliability of a new system that was developed to measure lumbar region passive stiffness and end range of motion during a trunk lateral bending movement in vivo. Variables measured included force, end range lumbar region motion, torque, lumbar region stiffness, and passive elastic energy. Validity of the force measurements was examined using standard...

The goal of this work is to present methodology to first evaluate the performance of an in vivo spine system and then to synthesize optimal neuromuscular control for rehabilitation interventions. This is achieved (1) by determining control system parameters such as static feedback gains and delays from experimental data, (2) by synthesizing the optimal feedback gains to attenuate the effect of ...

Article: Sit-up tests have been included in most youth and adult fitness test batteries. One logical reason for their inclusion is the possible relationship between poor abdominal strength and the incidence of low back pain. Therefore, a number of timed field tests have been proposed to measure abdominal function. However, the published data on the validity of field test measures are sparse. Th...

A systematic literature review of population prevalence studies of low back pain between 1966 and 1998 was conducted to investigate data homogeneity and appropriateness for pooling. Fifty-six studies were analyzed using methodologic criteria that examined sample representativeness, data quality, and pain definition. Acceptable studies were assessed for homogeneity and appropriateness for poolin...

QUESTION What risk factors have been identified for the first episode of low back pain in children and adolescents? Have these risk factors been validated? DESIGN Systematic review of prospective studies designed to identify possible modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for the onset of low back pain in children and adolescents. PARTICIPANTS School children aged up to 18 years without...

INTRODUCTION Low back pain effects up to 80% of the population at some time during their active life. Questionnaires are available to help measure pain and disability. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is the most commonly used outcome measure for low back pain. The aim of this study was to see if training in completing the ODI forms improved the scoring accuracy. PATIENTS AND METHODS The l...

INTRODUCTION In France, most studies of low back pain (LBP) have been carried out among workers or patients. Until very recently, the frequency of LBP in the general population was not known, because National Health Surveys did not include questions on LBP. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of LBP in the French population aged 30 to 64 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main data were from...

BACKGROUND Urban taxi drivers differ from other professional drivers in their exposures to physical and psychosocial hazards in the work environment. Epidemiological data on low back pain (LBP) of this occupational group are very scarce. AIMS To examine LBP in taxi drivers and its association with prolonged driving and other occupational factors. METHODS We analyzed the cross-sectional data...