Inspiratory Muscle Training and Low Back Pain

Proprioceptive weighting changes may explain differences in postural control performance. In addition, the respiratory movement has a disturbing effect on postural balance. Postural balance seems to be impaired in individuals with respiratory disorders. Besides the essential role of respiration, the diaphragm may also play an important role in the control of the trunk and postural balance. Deficits in proprioception are found in a subgroup of patients with low back pain. In addition, disorders of respiration have been identified as strongly related to low back pain. The aim of the study is to clarify whether inspiratory muscle training has a positive effect on proprioceptive postural control in individuals with recurrent low back pain.

Center of pressure displacement (force plate) in standing in response to local muscle vibration on ankle and back muscles to specifically detect the role of proprioception in postural control.

Inclusion Criteria individuals with low back pain: Age: 18-45 years old At least 1 year of low back pain with/without referred pain in buttock/thigh At least 3 episodes of disabling low back pain At least a score of 20% on the Oswestry Disability Index Willingness to sign the informed consent Exclusion Criteria: History of major trauma and/or major orthopedic surgery of the spine, the pelvis or the lower quadrant One of the following conditions: Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, stroke, history of vestibular disorder, respiratory disease, pregnancy Radicular symptoms Not Dutch-speaking Strong opioids Neck pain Smoking history

Janssens L, Brumagne S, Polspoel K, Troosters T, McConnell A. The effect of inspiratory muscles fatigue on postural control in people with and without recurrent low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2010 May 1;35(10):1088-94. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181bee5c3.