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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research article

Comparison of MRI cross-sectional area and functions of core muscles among asymptomatic individuals with and without lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration

Authors: Gyeong-tae Gwak, Ui-jae Hwang, Sung-hoon Jung, Hyun-a Kim, Jun-hee Kim, Oh-yun Kwon

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Previous studies suggested that patients with symptomatic intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) of lumbar spine have reduced cross-sectional area (CSA) and functions of core muscles. However, reduced CSA and functions of core muscles have been observed not only in patients with symptomatic IDD but also in patients with other subgroups of low back pain (LBP). Thus, it is uncertain whether reduced CSA and functions of core muscles lead to IDD and LBP, or pain leads to reduced CSA and functions of core muscles in patients with symptomatic IDD. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the CSA and functions of core muscles between asymptomatic participants with and without IDD in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Twenty asymptomatic participants (12 men and 8 women) participated in this study. Ten participants had asymptomatic IDD at L4–5. The others were healthy controls (without IDD at all levels of lumbar spine). The CSA of core muscles was measured using MRI. Maximal isometric trunk flexor strength and side bridge strength were measured by a Smart KEMA strength sensor. Trunk flexor endurance test, side bridge endurance test and plank endurance test were used to measure core endurance. Double legs loading test was used to measure core stability. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in core muscle functions between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in CSA between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in CSA and core muscle functions between asymptomatic participants with and without IDD. These findings indicate that a degenerative or bulging disc in asymptomatic individuals has little effect on CSA and functions of core muscles, especially in young age. Therefore, the general core endurance test or strength test could not differentiate asymptomatic people with and without IDD of lumbar spine.

Trial registration number

Clinical Research information Service. KCT0004061. Registered 13 June 2019. retrospectively registered.

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Title: Comparison of MRI cross-sectional area and functions of core muscles among asymptomatic individuals with and without lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Gyeong-tae Gwak
Ui-jae Hwang
Sung-hoon Jung
Hyun-a Kim
Jun-hee Kim
Oh-yun Kwon
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2960-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Comparison of MRI cross-sectional area and functions of core muscles among asymptomatic individuals with and without lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration number

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration number

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