Differences in kinematics of the lumbar spine and lower extremities between people with and without low back pain during the down phase of a pick up task, an observational study.
Limited research exists on lumbar spine and lower extremity movement during functional tasks in people with and without low back pain (LBP).



To determine differences in lumbar spine and lower extremity kinematics in people with and without LBP during the down phase of a pick up task.



Cross-sectional, observational study.



35 people (14 M, 21 F, 26.9 ± 10.9 years, 24.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2); 18 with and 17 without LBP were matched based on age, gender and BMI. Kinematics of the lumbar spine and lower extremities were measured using 3D motion capture, while subjects picked up an object off the floor. People with LBP were examined and assigned to movement-based LBP subgroups. Repeated measures ANOVA tests were conducted to determine the effect of group and region on lumbar spine and lower extremity kinematics. A secondary analysis was conducted to examine the effect of LBP subgroup on lumbar spine kinematics.



Compared to controls, subjects with LBP displayed greater upper and less lower lumbar flexion (P < 0.05), and more lumbar flexion during the first 25% of the pick up task (P < 0.01). There were no group differences in frontal or axial plane lumbar spine kinematics. Subjects with LBP displayed more frontal plane movement at the knee than control subjects (P < 0.01). There were no significant effects of movement-based LBP subgroup on kinematics (P > 0.05).



When evaluating movement during a functional task, the clinician should consider regional differences in the lumbar spine, pattern of movement, and lower extremity movement.
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: sgombatto@mail.sdsu.edu.
Sara P
SP
Gombatto
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: nataliemdarpa@gmail.com.
Natalie
N
D'Arpa
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: sarah.landerholm@gmail.com.
Sarah
S
Landerholm
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: cassandra.mateo@gmail.com.
Cassandra
C
Mateo
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: sdsurf11@gmail.com.
Ryan
R
O'Connor
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: janatokunaga@gmail.com.
Jana
J
Tokunaga
School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, United States. Electronic address: ltuttle@mail.sdsu.edu.
Lori J
LJ
Tuttle
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation
Functional; Kinematics; Low back pain; Lower extremity