Some studies have shown a relationship between trunk muscle strength and low back pain. Measures of trunk muscle strength and endurance, which are feasible in the clinical setting, are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine interrater reliability of 6 tests of abdominal and trunk extensor muscle strength and endurance. The tests included abdominal and extensor dynamic endurance, hand-held dynamometry of isometric flexion and extension, and abdominal and extensor static endurance. Thirty-nine healthy workers were recruited as subjects. Each was tested by 3 raters on 3 days within 1 week. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated: abdominal dynamic endurance ICC = .89, SEM = 8 repetitions; extensor dynamic endurance ICC = .78, SEM = 9 repetitions; abdominal isometric force ICC = .25, SEM = 60 N; extensor isometric force ICC = .24, SEM = 68 N; abdominal static endurance ICC = .51, SEM = 35 seconds; extensor static endurance ICC = .59, SEM = 20 seconds. The dynamic endurance tests had acceptable interrater reliability. For the others, reliability was poor and the SEMs were large.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1997;26(4):200-208.

Key Words: muscle strength, assessment, low back

Studies are needed to enhance our understanding of functional outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to describe a community clinic program for injured workers with low back pain and to report outcomes of the first 50 consecutive patients to enter the program who were evaluated using a standardized assessment procedure. Data for this report were collected from a retrospective chart review as part of an evaluation of the program. The patients referred to the clinic entered a 4-week treatment program. They were assessed at entry and discharge using the Toronto-Hamilton Lumbar Database. The database assessment is a standardized evaluation for documenting subjective and objective clinical data, and the protocol includes a diagnostic classification system and pain and function ratings. The results of this investigation include a statistically significant (p<.05) decrease in pain and increase in function as measured by the Jan van Breemen pain and disability scales and the Sickness Impact Profile. Seventy-four percent of the treatment group had returned to work by 6 weeks postdischarge from the program. This study suggests that a significant improvement in functional capabilities, a decrease in pain and disability indices, and higher return-to-work rates can be achieved through a 4-week, community-based multiprofessional rehabilitation program.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994;20(1):11-16.

Key Words: low back pain, community clinic, standardized assessment