Objective

Chronic low-back pain is accompanied by physical deconditioning which result among other by lower VO2max and by disturbances isokinetic explorations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there was a correlation between VO2max and isokinetic parameters spine before and after a functional restoration program (FRP).

Material/patients and methods

Uni-centric retrospective study in routine care. Isokinetic spine muscle strength evaluation and functional exercise exploration were performed before and after FRP for all hospitalized patients for 4 weeks to FRP.

Results

One hundred and sixty-four patients were included: 65 women and 99 men, mean age: 42.3 years ± 7.8 years. It was observed that isokinetic muscle strength significantly increased including improved spine extensor and flexor muscles Peak Torque (PT) means evalued in concentric contraction passing at angular velocities of 60° and 120°/sec ( P = 0.0001). Meanwhile, the average VO2max improved ( P = 0.0001). Before FRP, there was a statistically significant correlation between VO2max and spine muscle PT means: for extensors at 60°/s (r = 0.38, P = 0.0001) and at 120°/s (r = 0.34, P = 0.0001) and for flexors at 60°/s (r = 0.32, P = 0.0001) and at 120°/s (r = 0.28, P = 0.0003). These correlations have emerged higher after RFR: for extensors at 60°/s (r = 0.48, P = 0.0001) and at 120°/s (r = 0.37, P = 0.0001); for flexors at 60°/s (r 0.33, P = 0.0008) and at 120°/s (r = 0.34, P = 0.0001).

Discussion – conclusion

This work, which is the first to have explored these associations, can highlight a link between spine muscle group strength (PT) and aerobic abilities in chronic low-back pain patients. These links are strengthened after FRP reflecting improved efficiency of muscle recruitment. This study reinforces the interest of rehabilitation through combined exercises.