The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between core endurance and flexibility, balance and lower extremity performance of patients with mechanical low back pain.

Seventy-one individuals with mechanical low back pain (age₌ 37.62±10.82 years, BMI₌ 25.37±3.29 kg/m2) were included in this study. The demographic and physical characteristics of the individuals were recorded. The location of pain was assessed with body diagram and pain intensity was measured with Visual Analog Scale. McGill’s core endurance tests were used for core endurance. Sit-and-reach, trunk extension, right/left trunk lateral flexion tests were used for flexibility. Open and closed eyes single leg stance test and Y-balance test were used for static and dynamic balance. The lower extremity performance was evaluated with 30-Second Sit-To-Stand Test and Stair Climb Test. Data was analyzed by appropriate statistical methods.

It was found that individuals with higher endurance of left trunk lateral bridge had greater trunk extension and right/left trunk lateral flexion flexibility (respectively r₌0.369, r₌0.462, r₌0.476; p<0.05). It was seen that individuals with high trunk flexion, extension, right/left trunk lateral flexion endurance had higher durations of open eyes single leg stance on right (respectively r₌0.363, r₌0.452, r₌0.403, r₌0.512; p <0.05); in Y-balance test, it was seen that individuals with high trunk flexion endurance had better posterolateral distance on right/left foot (respectively r₌0.465, r₌0.425; p<0.05). It was found that individuals with high trunk extension endurance had higher number of repetitions in 30-second Sit-To-Stand Test and individuals with higher trunk flexion endurance had completed the Stair Climb Test in a shorter time (respectively r₌0.330, r₌-0.502; p<0.05). Low endurance values were found to adversely affect individuals’ flexibility, balance abilities, and lower extremity performance.

In the physiotherapy process of individuals with MLBP, it should be considered that treatment strategies to increase the core endurance in the treatment programs also affect the flexibility, balance and lower extremity performance associated with core endurance.

Keywords: Balance, Flexibility, Mechanical Low Back Pain, Performance

-Research is made by Ali Ceylan