Respiration in Chronic Low Back Pain

Respiratory Muscle Strength and Respiratory Functions in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

The goal of this observational study is to learn about respiratory muscle strength, respiratory functions, and balance in patients with chronic low back pain.

Coordination between the stabilizer muscles of the trunk and respiratory functions may be lacking in people with chronic low back pain. However, a specially designed study investigating the relationship between respiratory functions and balance parameters in individuals with chronic low back pain is lacking. The goal of this observational study is to learn about respiratory muscle strength, respiratory functions, and balance in patients with chronic low back pain. Twenty-four individuals with low back pain for at least 6 months are going to include in the study. Pain assessment is going to assess with a Visual Analogue Scale. Respiratory muscle strength is going to measure by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Pulmonary function assessment (PFT) is going to assess using a spirometer. Balance assessment is going to evaluate with Star Balance Test and Berg Balance Scale. Flexibility is going to evaluate with the Functional Reach Test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• being diagnosed with chronic low back pain
• being age 25-65
• defining pain with a minimum of 5 out of 10 in Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
• getting at least 24 points from the Mini Mental Test.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having physical therapy in the last one month
• Orthopedic, neurological, and vestibular problems that will affect balance
• Severe discopathy
• Compression fracture
• Pregnancy
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of > 30kg