Isabelle Fayolle-Minon1, Paul Calmels. 1. Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, EA 3062, Université Jean Monnet, CHU Saint-Etienne, Hôpital Bellevue, 42055 Saint Etienne Cedex 2, France.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Randomized and controlled study of clinical evaluation of medical device in healthy subjects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of wearing an elastic lumbar support, frequently used in low-back pain prevention or treatment, on the trunk flexors and extensors muscle strength on healthy subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The long-term use of a lumbar orthosis is still suspected of weakening on the trunk muscles. The results in the existing literature are contradictory but don't seem to confirm this. METHODS:Trunk muscle isokinetic and isometric strength measured before and after the wearing of an elastic orthosis over a period of 21days by healthy subjects with a control group without orthosis. RESULTS: There were 20 healthy subjects using orthosis and 9 controls. No changes in isokinetic and isometric strength were observed except for the endurance parameter on extensors: it was significantly more important before than after the lumbar support use (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: These results disprove any negative effects on muscle strength and add to the existing literature which argues for a more customized prescription of lumbar orthosis depending on the potential muscle strength of the subject.
RCT Entities:
INTRODUCTION: Randomized and controlled study of clinical evaluation of medical device in healthy subjects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of wearing an elastic lumbar support, frequently used in low-back pain prevention or treatment, on the trunk flexors and extensors muscle strength on healthy subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The long-term use of a lumbar orthosis is still suspected of weakening on the trunk muscles. The results in the existing literature are contradictory but don't seem to confirm this. METHODS: Trunk muscle isokinetic and isometric strength measured before and after the wearing of an elastic orthosis over a period of 21days by healthy subjects with a control group without orthosis. RESULTS: There were 20 healthy subjects using orthosis and 9 controls. No changes in isokinetic and isometric strength were observed except for the endurance parameter on extensors: it was significantly more important before than after the lumbar support use (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: These results disprove any negative effects on muscle strength and add to the existing literature which argues for a more customized prescription of lumbar orthosis depending on the potential muscle strength of the subject.