Hip rotation range of motion in people with and without low back pain who participate in rotation-related sports

Linda R Van Dillen, Nancy J Bloom, Sara P Gombatto, Thomas M Susco, Linda R Van Dillen, Nancy J Bloom, Sara P Gombatto, Thomas M Susco

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether passive hip rotation motion was different between people with and without low back pain (LBP) who regularly participate in sports that require repeated rotation of the trunk and hips. We hypothesized that people with LBP would have less total hip rotation motion and more asymmetry of motion between sides than people without LBP.

Design: Two group, case-control.

Setting: University-based musculoskeletal analysis laboratory.

Participants: Forty-eight subjects (35 males, 13 females; mean age: 26.56+/-7.44 years) who reported regular participation in a rotation-related sport participated. Two groups were compared; people with LBP (N=24) and people without LBP (N=24; NoLBP).

Main outcome measures: Data were collected on participant-related, LBP-related, sport-related and activity-related variables. Measures of passive hip rotation range of motion were obtained. The differences between the LBP and NoLBP groups were examined.

Results: People with and without a history of LBP were the same with regard to all participant-related, sport-related and activity-related variables. The LBP group had significantly less total rotation (P=.035) and more asymmetry of total rotation, right hip versus left hip, (P=.022) than the NoLBP group. Left total hip rotation was more limited than right total hip rotation in the LBP group (P=.004). There were no significant differences in left and right total hip rotation for the NoLBP group (P=.323).

Conclusions: Among people who participate in rotation-related sports, those with LBP had less overall passive hip rotation motion and more asymmetry of rotation between sides than people without LBP. These findings suggest that the specific directional demands imposed on the hip and trunk during regularly performed activities may be an important consideration in deciding which impairments may be most relevant to test and to consider in prevention and intervention strategies.

Keywords: Low back pain; athletic activity; hip mobility; hip rotation; sports.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare they have no Conflict of Interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Test position for measuring passive hip rotation motion. The subject was positioned prone on a plinth with his hip in neutral abduction and adduction, the knee flexed to 90° and his pelvis stabilized with a belt. The non-tested lower extremity was placed in approximately 20° of abduction so as not to interfere with motion of the tested extremity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Example of placement of hand held inclinometer for measurement of passive left hip lateral rotation.

Source: PubMed

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