Muscle Function and Pelvic Stability While Walking in Patients With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

WALK-LSS - Muscle Function and Pelvic Stability While Walking in Patients With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

This study is to quantify changes in muscle activity and pelvic stability during prolonged walking in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (sLSS) and healthy control subjects and to determine their association with the severity of the stenosis and the crosssectional area and fatty atrophy of lumbo-pelvic-hip muscles.

Inclusion Criteria patients:

• Diagnosed symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis
• Availability of lumbar MR images
• Scheduled for decompressive surgery at the University Hospital Basel

Exclusion Criteria patients:

• Prior decompressive surgery
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2
• Additional pathologies that influence the mobility of the pelvis
• Use of walking aids
• Inability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria healthy control subjects:

• BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2
• Pain in the lower extremity or lower back in the previous 6 months
• Prior surgery of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
• History of claudications
• Neurological or orthopaedic conditions that may influence gait
• Inability to provide informed consent