Spine Biomechanics Labs, Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ONN2L 3G1, Canada

Disclosure: nothing to disclose.Address correspondence to: S.M.M.Search for more papers by this author

Craig Liebenson DC,

Craig Liebenson DC

L.A. Sports and Spine, Los Angeles, California, USA

Disclosure: nothing to disclose.Search for more papers by this author

Amy M. Karpowicz MSc,

Amy M. Karpowicz MSc

Spine Biomechanics Labs, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Disclosure: nothing to disclose.Search for more papers by this author

Stephen H.M. Brown PhD,

Stephen H.M. Brown PhD

Spine Biomechanics Labs, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Disclosure: nothing to disclose.Search for more papers by this author

Samuel J. Howarth MSc,

Samuel J. Howarth MSc

Spine Biomechanics Labs, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Disclosure: nothing to disclose.Search for more papers by this author

Stuart M. McGill PhD,

Corresponding Author

Stuart M. McGill PhD

[email protected]

Spine Biomechanics Labs, Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ONN2L 3G1, Canada

Disclosure: nothing to disclose.Address correspondence to: S.M.M.Search for more papers by this author

First published: 11 June 2009

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2009.03.007

Citations: 69

Disclosure Key can be found on the Table of Contents and at www.pmrjournal.org

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Abstract

Objective

To determine the utility of the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test as a screen of lumbar spine stability and abdominal bracing (AB) ability.

Design

A biomechanical study of the ASLR test as a clinical evaluation of lumbar spine stability and AB.

Setting

Clinical research laboratory.

Participants

Fourteen participants who were currently asymptomatic for back pain and leg pain were evaluated.

Methods

Spine posture, muscle activation, and pressure distributions underneath the supine subject were determined.

Main Outcome Measurements

An estimation of lumbar spine stiffness, a direct correlate with spine stability, was obtained using an anatomically detailed spine model.

Results

AB during the ASLR reduced the center of pressure (CoP) movement on a strain-based pressure mat in lumbar rotation (P < .0125) as well as reducing directly measured lumbar rotation (P = .02). Active AB increased lumbar spine stiffness (P < .002). Regression analysis between stiffness and CoP movement suggested that different participants used different strategies to control torso motion.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the ASLR has utility as a screen of lumbar spine stability and AB ability. The ASLR maneuver can assess control of lumbar rotational movements in the transverse plane. Finally, this study demonstrated that AB can measurably improve the rotational (transverse plane) stiffness of the lumbar spine.

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Citing Literature

Volume1, Issue6

June 2009

Pages 530-535

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The Active Straight Leg Raise Test and Lumbar Spine Stability

Abstract

Objective

Design

Setting

Participants

Methods

Main Outcome Measurements

Results

Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

References

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The Active Straight Leg Raise Test and Lumbar Spine Stability

Abstract

Objective

Design

Setting

Participants

Methods

Main Outcome Measurements

Results

Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

References

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