Reproducibility and validity of three non-invasive instruments that measure lumbar spine range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain

• Grant number: 11/12122-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2011
• End date: September 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Oliveira Pena Costa
• Grantee: Gabrielle Zoldan Gonzalez
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Acadêmica. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chronic non-specific low back pain is both a health and a socio-economic problem which is associated with disability as well as with emotional changes. The range of motion (ROM) is considered one of the components of physical examination used to facilitate the functional evaluation of patients with low back pain. To measure the ROM with precision is fundamental an evaluation using reproducible and non-invasive methods and instruments. Although there are many available methods and instruments to measure the ROM of the trunk movements, there is no strong evidence about the reproducibility of them. Therefore the objectives of this study are: 1) to test the reproducibility of the ROM measures of trunk in patients with non specific low back pain using the electrogoniometer, goniometer and fleximeter; and 2) to measure the construct validity of these instruments. The results of this study could be useful for clinicians and for a better evidence-based practice.