Correlation between Spinal Curvature, Back and Abdominal Muscle Strength and Physical Activity in Premenopausal Women with Low Back Pain

Abstract

Context: Premenopause is the time before the cessation of menstruation and onset of menopausal symptoms. Information regarding the degree of association of spinal curvature, back and abdominal muscles strength, and physical activity to low back pain (LBP) in premenopausal women is underreported which is useful for awareness, prevention, and optimal treatment. Aims: The aim is to determine the correlation between spinal curvature, back and abdominal muscle strength, and physical activity in premenopausal women with LBP. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four premenopausal women aged between 45 and 55 years were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Three physical characteristics: spinal curvature, back and abdominal muscle strength, and physical activity were measured for all the subjects, and the relative association of each characteristic with LBP was assessed. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was administered to all the participants, flexicurve was used for spinal curve measurement, and manual muscle testing for abdominal and back extensor strength was recorded. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and correlated using Pearson's correlation. Results: The mean kyphosis was 36.79° ± 6.41° and lordosis was 33° ± 7.75° According to MRC grading mean abdominal strength was 3.57 ± 0.68 (Grade 3: 53.6%; Grade 4: 35.7% and Grade 5: 10.7%) and back strength was 3.22 ± 0.52 (Grade 2: 4.8%; Grade 3: 67.9% and Grade 4: 27.4%). The mean IPAQ score observed was 1.94 ± 0.64 (low: 23.8%; moderate: 58.3% and high: 17.9%). Conclusion: An inverse relationship was observed between age, IPAQ score, lumbar lordosis, and back and abdominal muscle strength, with increasing age in premenopausal women there was a decrease in physical activity, lumbar lordosis, and back and abdominal muscle strength.