| dc.description.abstract | Low back pain (LBP) causes disability and
hinders daily activities of general population.
Despite extensive research, the exact cause of
chronic mechanical LBP remains uncertain.
There is inadequate evidence related to hip
abductor muscle strength and iliotibial band
(ITB) tightness among subjects with LBP. A
descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted
at National Hospital, Sri Lanka, between 103
individuals with chronic mechanical LBP, aged
between 20-65 years. Oswestry Disability Index
(ODI) was used to gauge the severity of LBP. Hip
abductor muscle strength and ITB tightness was
measured in all subjects. Mean age of the sample
was 50.09 ± 11.163 comprising, 34% male and 66%
female patients. Pearson’s correlation revealed
significant correlations in right ITB tightness and
ODI (p=0.003, r=0.289), Left ITB tightness and ODI
(p=0.005, r=0.275). Significant relationships were
also present between right hip abductor muscle
strength and ODI (p=0.030, r=-0.213) and left
hip abductor muscle strength and ODI (p=0.050,
r=-0.192). However, there were no correlation
between hip abductor muscle strength and ITB
tightness in the current study. Even though ITB
tightness and hip abductor muscle strength
were correlated to LBP, the relationship between
hip abductor muscle strength and ITB tightness
was not detected in the current study. However,
it is recommended to incorporate exercises to
minimize ITB tightness and to improve hip
abductor muscle strength, in the interventions for
patients with LBP. Extensive studies should be
carried out to assess hip abductor weakness and
ITB tightness. | en_US |
