Background Limitation in function is a primary reason people with low back pain seek medical treatment. Specific lumbar movement patterns, repeated throughout the day, have been proposed to contribute to the development and course of low back pain. Varying the demands of a functional activity test may provide some insight into whether people display consistent lumbar movement patterns during functional activities. Our purpose was to examine the consistency of the lumbar movement pattern during variations of a functional activity test in people with low back pain and back-healthy people. Methods 16 back-healthy adults and 32 people with low back pain participated. Low back pain participants were classified based on the level of self-reported functional limitations. Participants performed 5 different conditions of a functional activity test. Lumbar excursion in the early phase of movement was examined. The association between functional limitations and early phase lumbar excursion for each test condition was examined. Findings People with low back pain and high levels of functional limitation demonstrated a consistent pattern of greater early phase lumbar excursion across test conditions (p<.05). For each test condition, the amount of early phase lumbar excursion was associated with functional limitation (r=0.28–0.62) Interpretation Our research provides preliminary evidence that people with low back pain adopt consistent movement patterns during the performance of functional activities. Our findings indicate that the lumbar spine consistently moves more readily into its available range in people with low back pain and high levels of functional limitation. How the lumbar spine moves during a functional activity may contribute to functional limitations.

People with LBP were able to modify their lumbar movement pattern and decrease their pain with the movement pattern within a single session of motor skill training.

When presented with 2 treatment options, a majority of patients preferred SF over MST. Convenience was a particularly important attribute affecting preference. Assessing treatment preference and attributes prior to treatment initiation allows the clinician to identify factors that may need to be addressed to enhance adherence to, and outcomes of, treatment.

Background It is assumed that the lumbar movement pattern observed during a clinical test is representative of the movement pattern used during a functional activity. Very little is known about how the lumbar movement pattern during a clinical test is associated with the lumbar movement pattern during a functional activity and how the lumbar movement pattern is associated with functional limitation. Objective The purpose was to examine the lumbar movement pattern during a clinical test and a functional activity test in people with and people without low back pain (LBP), and the relationship of lumbar motion to LBP‐related functional limitation. Design Observational study. Participants 16 back‐healthy adults and 32 people with chronic LBP. Methods Participants performed a standardized clinical test of forward bending and a functional activity test of picking up an object. Main Outcome Measurements Maximal lumbar excursion and lumbar excursion at 0% to 50% and 50% to 100% of movement time were examined. Results Significant associations were present between the two movement tests for both back‐healthy people and people with LBP (r = 0.47‐0.73). In people with LBP the amount of lumbar motion in the 0% to 50% of movement time interval for both tests was significantly associated with functional limitation (r = 0.43‐0.62). Conclusion Lumbar movement patterns were similar between the two tests, and lumbar motion early in the movement of a functional test was related to self‐report of functional limitation. Level of Evidence III

No abstract