Abstract

CAICEDO-MOLINA, Imma et al. Muscle strength, flexibility and posture in the prevalence of low back pain in helicopter crews of the national army of Colombia. rev.fac.med. [online]. 2013, vol.61, n.4, pp.357-363. ISSN 0120-0011.

Objective. To determine the relationship between muscle strength, flexibility and posture in the prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in helicopter crews (HC) of the National Army of Colombia (NAC). Materials and methods. A cross type study was performed under a multiple logistic regression model, focused on the measurement of muscle strength, flexibility and posture in HC members of the NAC. Results. 108 crewmen were evaluated, the 59.26 % had LBP. It was found that the strength of the trunk extensor muscles was a protective factor (OR=0.98, p<0.05), just as the level of physical activity (OR=0.78, p<0.05), whereas the flexibility and musculoskeletal risk indicated no association (OR=1.0, p>0.05 and OR=1.04, p<0.05, Chi square 2.80 respectively). Conclusion. Adequate muscle strength of the trunk extensors is a protective factor against this health problem. However, more research in this population is needed to achieve a better understanding of the factors related to the LBP. The context and physiokinetic variables constitute a complex structure of determinants of LBP.

Keywords : Low Back Pain; Pliability; Muscle Strength; Posture.

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