Pelvic asymmetry as a risk factor for nonspecific chronic low back pain

Abstract

KEYWORDSpelvic asymmetry, low back pain, photographic assessment, pelvic posture 3 Abstract Background Empirical evidence that identifies the pelvic asymmetry in which movement plane that contribute to non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is currently lacking.Objective To establish the reliability of the Global Postural System (GPS) in assessing pelvic asymmetry and identify the association between pelvic asymmetry parameters and the occurrence of NCLBP in young adults.Design A cross-sectional, regression study.Methods People who aged between 18 and 30 and were diagnosed with NCLBP were recruited.Healthy individuals who were matched for age, gender, and education level were recruited as controls and for the reliability analysis. Reliability was assessed by the ICC (3, k), standard error and minimal detectable difference. Bivariate correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors.Results Twenty-eight healthy participants and 28 people with NCLBP were recruited. Moderate to excellent ICCs were observed for the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of most postural parameters.The bivariate correlation analysis indicated that age, body mass index and pelvic asymmetry parameters were related to the occurrence of NCLBP. Pelvic angle asymmetry (odd ratio=1.17), and asymmetry of the distance between the posterior superior iliac spine and the floor (odd ratio=1.21)were significant risk factors of NCLBP.Limitation This study did not explore the causal relationship between pelvic asymmetry in the sagittal plane/pelvic asymmetry in the transverse plane and the occurrence of NCLBP. The interpretation of the results may not be generalized beyond the sample population.Conclusions The GPS is a reliable method to assess pelvic asymmetry in a clinical setting. The pelvic asymmetry parameters obtained from the GPS are likely to assist in the early identification of the potential occurrence of NCLBP.