Reference values and reliability for lumbopelvic strength and endurance in asymptomatic subjects

Abstract Background Assessing the lumbopelvic region is useful for detecting many musculoskeletal dysfunctions and also performance deficits. Several clinical tests are used to assess this region, however, reference values and results related to method, reliability and error measurements of these tests have not been reported. Objectives To establish reference values and determine reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), typical error of measurement (TEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) of a set of clinical tests used for assessing the lumbopelvic region in subjects divided by gender, age group and physical activity levels. Methods An observational study was conducted. For reference values, 152 subjects performed eight clinical tests (isometric strength of hip muscles; deep abdominal function and endurance tests) used to assess the lumbopelvic region. Reliability analyses were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC 2,1 ) and error measurements were calculated by using the SEM, TEM and the MDC. Results Reference values were established for each group and results showed significant ( p Conclusion Reference values are necessary in the evaluation of subjects and these results can contribute for clinical practice, providing clinical training targets. Also, evaluation of reliability and error measurements in this set of tests allows its use in clinical practice.