Diaphragm Function in Low Back Pain People

Differencies in the Contraction Ratio of Diaphragm Muscle Between Low Back Pain and Asymptomatic Individuals.

Pathomechanism of nonspecific low back pain is not clear for the researchers yet. Our aim is to evaluate the function of one of the stabilizer muscles of the low back area. Diaphragm's postural function is evident. However, we do not understand its changes of function in low back pain. Postural function of diaphragm was screened in supine position and in sitting too in a relaxed and in a contracted state. The thickness of diaphragm was measured and contraction ratio was calculated. Additionally, the stability limits of the trunk were measured. We were curios about the differencies in contraction ratio between asymptomatic and low back pain individuals.

Pathomechanism of nonspecific low back pain is not clear for the researchers yet. Our aim is to evaluate the function of one of the stabilizer muscles of the low back area. Diaphragm's postural function is evident. However, we do not understand its changes of function in low back pain. The postural function of diaphragm was screened with Zonare Zone Ultrasound System in supine position and in sitting too in a relaxed and in a contracted state. The thickness of diaphragm was measured by using an elecric caliper of the ultrasound device and the contraction ratio was calculated. Additionally, the stability limits of the trunk were measured with sitting functional reach and sitting lateral reach tests. We were curios about the differencies in contraction ratio between asymptomatic and low back pain individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• capable to get the scene of the measurements
• age is over 18

Exclusion Criteria:

• serious neurologycal disorder, which affects the performance on the functional tests
• previous surgical intervention which has been affected the trunk
• intensive pain, which prevent the individual to perform the needed positions (supine and sitting)
• serious lung disease or breathing disorder