Spine Kinematics Predict Symptom and Lost Time Recurrence: How Much Recovery is Enough?

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine thresholds for low back kinematic measures for the amount of functional recovery necessary to reduce the risk of recurrent pain symptoms or lost time. Methods Low back kinematic ability measures were collected at baseline when the workers returned to work for full duty. The range of motion, velocity, and acceleration were collected using the lumbar motion monitor. Results Follow-up data was collected on 196 of the 206 workers. Workers with sagittal extension velocity of <40 deg./s at baseline were twice as likely to report recurrent low back pain symptoms. Workers with sagittal flexion velocity <34 deg./s were 3 times more likely to report lost time. Conclusions Kinematic functional performance measures may be used as recovery criteria in low back pain patients to minimize recurrence risk.