Association of thoraco-lumbar fascia length in individuals with non-specific low back pain - an observational study

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the length of TLF and to evaluate the strength of muscles attached to it in subjects with and without nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP).

Methods: 31 patients with NSLBP and 31 healthy individuals were included in the study. In each subject the TLF length was assessed by quantifying lumbar rotation using Back range of motion (BROM-II) instrument. The endurance of transverses abdominis was assessed using the pressure biofeedback unit while the strength of Latissimus dorsi, internal and external oblique's were assessed using MMT. Outcome measure such as Range of Motion (ROM) was compared across the group using independent sample T-test. While the muscle strength of Latissimus dorsi and oblique's were compared across the group using Man-whitney U- test. Transverse abdominis endurance was tested using chi-square test.

Results: There was statistically significant difference in the length of TLF of subjects with NSLBP when compared with subjects without NSLBP. When the strength of Latissimus dorsi muscle, transverses abdominis muscle and internal and external oblique's muscle was assessed no significant (p value > 0.05) difference was found in either group.

Conclusions: There was statistically significant reduction in length of TLF but there was no difference in the strength of Latissimus dorsi, internal and external oblique's or endurance of transverses abdominus attached to the TLF in individuals with NSLBP and without low back pain. This study will help in determining the inclusion of TLF and the associated structures in evaluation and management of subjects with NSLBP.