(Luomajoki, Kool, de Bruin, & Airaksinen, 2008)
Aims: To determine whether the number of positive tests out of six active MC tests was different in patients LBP VS healthy controls + if ≠ according to the duration of LBP.
Methods: Case control study, Non blinded, 108 P and 102 controls, consecutive Germans, LBP (excluded radiculopathy), 12 ratters. 3 trials, oral explanation + if needed demonstration. 6 Motor control tests performed (Luomajoki tests) in the same order. Statistical analysis.
Results: Comparable groups, 2,21 (P) vs 0,75 (C) positive tests. Statistical difference, large effect size. There was a significant difference between acute and chronic, as well as between subacute and chronic but not between acute and subacute patient groups. The more chronic the more +ve tests.
Limitations: Case control no search of cofounding factors? Small clinical difference. Results not shown (which test + wich – on the 6). No blinding + subjective diag.
In Practice: There may be a difference, in the number of MC tests in LBP patients and the more chronic the more positive tests. MC evaluation through Luomajoki tests may be of use in LBP patients. Although tests have not been studied for validity, and the effect of MC treatment strategies have not been proven effective.
Luomajoki, H., Kool, J., de Bruin, E. D., & Airaksinen, O. (2008). Movement control tests of the low back; evaluation of the difference between patients with low back pain and healthy controls. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9(1), 170. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-170