Association between trunk extensor strength and gait-induced back pain in the elderly with adult spinal deformity: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between quantitatively assessed trunk extensor strength and gait-induced back pain (GIBP) in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).

METHODS

Ninety-five patients with ASD aged ≥ 50 years who were admitted to our hospital between April 2018 and March 2023 were included in the study. GIBP was evaluated through a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), with GIBP being defined as the occurrence of back pain during the evaluation and inability to complete the test. The patients were divided into three groups: difficulty completing the 6MWT (Group 1), ability to complete the 6MWT with breaks (Group 2), and ability to complete the 6MWT without taking a break (Group 3). The main independent variable was trunk extensor strength, which was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between GIBP and trunk extensor strength while adjusting for basic characteristics and radiographic parameters as covariates.

RESULTS

The numbers of patients with ASD included in each group were; 27 in Group 1 (28.4%), 31 in Group 2 (32.6%), and 37 in Group 3 (39.0%). An ordered logistic regression analysis adjusted for basic characteristics and radiographic parameters, trunk extensor strength was significantly associated with GIBP (odds ratios, 1.128; 95% confidence intervals, 1.025-1.242).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study strongly indicate that trunk extensor strength is a valuable factor associated with GIBP in patients with ASD.