Inspiratory Resistive Loading and Diaphragm Fatigue

Inspiratory Resistive Loading and Diaphragm Fatigue in Healthy Individuals and Individuals With Recurrent Low Back Pain

The aim of the study is to clarify whether specific loading of the inspiratory muscles induces contractile fatigue of the diaphragm muscle in healthy individuals and individuals with recurrent low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria individuals with low back pain:

• Age: 18-35 years old
• At least 1 year of low back pain with/without referred pain in buttock/thigh
• At least 3 episodes of disabling low back pain
• At least a score of 20% on the Oswestry Disability Index
• Willingness to sign the informed consent

Inclusion Criteria healthy individuals:

• Age: 18-35 years old
• No history of low back pain
• A score of 0% on the Oswestry Disability Index
• Willingness to sign the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of major trauma and/or major orthopedic surgery of the spine, the pelvis or the lower quadrant
• One of the following conditions: Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, stroke, history of vestibular disorder, respiratory disease, pregnancy
• Radicular symptoms
• Not Dutch-speaking
• Strong opioids
• Neck pain
• Smoking history