The Relationship Between Transversus Abdominis Muscle Architecture and Upper Extremity Function in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

The Relationship Between Transversus Abdominis Muscle Architecture and Upper Extremity Function in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comparative Ultrasonographic Study

Core stability is the ability to control the position and movement of the trunk for optimal production, transfer, and control of forces in the upper and lower extremities during functional activities.

Studies have shown that TrA activation is delayed in individuals with low back pain. The relationship between core stability and the lower extremity has been frequently studied in the literature, and according to Kibler's 'Kinetic Chain' theory, loss of proximal stability is known to lead to dysfunction in distal segments; however, the relationship between the upper extremity and core stability is still unclear. The aim of our study is to investigate the upper extremity reach capacity and scapular stability of individuals with low back pain in relation to TrA involvement and to compare them with healthy individuals without low back pain.

Core stability is the ability to control the position and movement of the trunk for optimal production, transfer, and control of forces in the upper and lower extremities during functional activities. The most important components of core stability are muscle capacity and neuromuscular control. A stable core region is effective in facilitating extremity function.

Studies have shown that TrA activation is delayed in individuals with low back pain. The relationship between core stability and the lower extremity has been frequently studied in the literature, and according to Kibler's 'Kinetic Chain' theory, loss of proximal stability is known to lead to dysfunction in distal segments; however, the relationship between the upper extremity and core stability is still unclear. In light of all this data, the aim of our study is to investigate the upper extremity reach capacity and scapular stability of individuals with low back pain in relation to TrA involvement and to compare them with healthy individuals without low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18-45 years of age.
• Having a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) (18.5 - 29.9 kg/m²).
• For the painful group, having pain for a minimum of 3 months and a minimum of 3/10 pain at rest or during activity. • Not having received medical treatment for back or shoulder pain in the last 12 months for healthy control examinations.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having neurological diseases.
• Having a diagnosed pathology and/or severe pain in the upper extremity.
• Being a professional athlete.
• Being pregnant.
• Having advanced structural spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.).
• Having undergone abdominal surgery (Cesarean section is not included).
• Having undergone spinal and/or lumbar surgery.