Changes in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Components "Activity/Participation" as Predicted Through Patient-Reported Outcomes Along With Comprehensive Back Pain Rehabilitation.

Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) but its use in clinical practice is sparse. This study investigated the limitations and restrictions in the most relevant brief ICF core set categories for chronic low back pain (cLBP) as automatically predicted from routinely measured outcomes using a novel, validated mapping algorithm.

Materials And Methods: Of 2718 cLBP patients recruited, data from 1541 (64% females) were available from before and at the end of 6 months comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation.

Diagnostic value of trunk flexion-extension testing in old chronic low back pain patients.

Purpose: Dynamic trunk flexion-extension testing has been proven to objectively diagnose low back pain in persons under the age of 60 years but older persons have difficulty complying with standardized movement velocity.

Methods: 190 patients and 71 matched healthy volunteers (18-90 years of age) performed modified testing by holding static positions at standing, half, and full trunk flexion.

Results: Lumbar extensor muscle activity in isometric positions was significantly higher in patients with higher activity in the oldest (60-90 years) and the middle-aged (40-59 years) but not in the youngest (18-39 years) subgroups compared to normal.

Age and gender related neuromuscular pattern during trunk flexion-extension in chronic low back pain patients.

Background: The root mean square surface electromyographic activity of lumbar extensor muscles during dynamic trunk flexion and extension from standing has repeatedly been recommended to objectively assess muscle function in chronic low back pain patients. However, literature addressing older patients is sparse. This cross sectional study sought to examine differences in neuromuscular activation between age groups (>60 versus 40-60 versus <40 years) and sexes during a standardized trunk flexion-extension task.