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Cause of non-specific low back pain in women: pelvic floor muscle weakness

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and low back pain (LBP) in women with and without non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) with similar demographic and physical characteristics.

Methods

The study included 40 women (35.73±6.74 years) with NSLBP (with LBP group) and 32 women (34.59±5.93) without LBP (without LBP group). PFM strength with a perineometer, pain intensity with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), quality of life with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and perceptions of LBP and related disability with the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were evaluated.

Results

There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, BMI, number of births (0, 1, and 2 births) and mode of delivery (vaginal/cesarean section) (p>0.05). There was a statistical difference between the groups in all parameters except SF-36 Emotional Role Limitation subscale (p<0.05). We found PFM strength an independent predictor of the RMDQ score, and RMDQ and VAS scores as independent predictors of SF-36 physical and mental components (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Decreased PFM strength in women causes non-specific mechanical low back pain and disability independent of age, BMI, and the number and type of delivery. Decreased PFM strength is a predictor of disability. Disability and pain are also independent predictors of decreased quality of life. PFM measurement should be prioritized when evaluating women with NSLBP. PFM strength may be a determinant of LBP.

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Natali Helen Kazan (PT) for his assistance with data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Famagusta, Turkey

    Burcin Ugur Tosun

  2. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, Yeni Mahalle Şehit Astsubay Mustafa Soner Varlık Caddesi No:77 PK:10200, Bandirma, Balıkesir, Turkey

    Gulhan Yilmaz Gokmen

Authors
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Contributions

Ugur Tosun B: Project development, Data collection, Manuscript writing and editing

Yılmaz Gokmen G: Project development, Data analysis, Manuscript writing and editing

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Correspondence to Gulhan Yilmaz Gokmen.

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Ugur Tosun, B., Yilmaz Gokmen, G. Cause of non-specific low back pain in women: pelvic floor muscle weakness. Int Urogynecol J 34, 2317–2323 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-023-05606-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-023-05606-1

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