Effect of wearing a lumbar orthosis on trunk muscles: Study of the muscle strength after 21 days of use on healthy subjects - 10/01/08

Doi : 10.1016/j.jbspin.2007.04.018

Isabelle Fayolle-Minon, Paul Calmels ^⁎
Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, EA 3062, Université Jean Monnet, CHU Saint-Etienne, Hôpital Bellevue, 42055 Saint Etienne Cedex 2, France

Corresponding author. Tel.: +33 04 7712 7757; fax: +33 04 7712 7772.

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Abstract

Introduction

Randomized and controlled study of clinical evaluation of medical device in healthy subjects.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of wearing an elastic lumbar support, frequently used in low-back pain prevention or treatment, on the trunk flexors and extensors muscle strength on healthy subjects.

Summary of background data

The long-term use of a lumbar orthosis is still suspected of weakening on the trunk muscles. The results in the existing literature are contradictory but don't seem to confirm this.

Methods

Trunk muscle isokinetic and isometric strength measured before and after the wearing of an elastic orthosis over a period of 21days by healthy subjects with a control group without orthosis.

Results

There were 20 healthy subjects using orthosis and 9 controls. No changes in isokinetic and isometric strength were observed except for the endurance parameter on extensors: it was significantly more important before than after the lumbar support use (p=0.033).

Conclusion

These results disprove any negative effects on muscle strength and add to the existing literature which argues for a more customized prescription of lumbar orthosis depending on the potential muscle strength of the subject.

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Keywords : Spine, Isokinetic evaluation, Trunk flexors, Trunk extensors, Endurance