The Inter-rater Reliability of Lumbar Segmental Instability Tests and the Subclassification
Year: 2013
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: This study investigated the inter-rater reliability of three structural end-range lumbar segmental instability tests with the highest positive Likelihood Ratio against flexion-extension radiographs, and three functional mid-range clinical tests that predict the success of lumbar stabilization exercises in patients with recurrent or chronic low back pain (R/CLBP). It also investigated the reliability of lumbar segmental instability subclassification as: Functional, Structural and Combined Instability. Method: 40 adult with R/CLBP patients (30 men and 10 women), 18 to 80 years of age, underwent repeated measurements of specific clinical tests for structural or functional lumbar segmental instability. Results: Other than the Lack of Hypomobility with PA Glide test, which was found to be unreliable (percentage agreement = 37.5, and k= - 0.02), all the other tests demonstrated high Kappa coefficients and percentage agreements. The sub-classification categories of lumbar segmental instability (functional, structural, and combined) were found to be significantly reliable (k= 0.722, adjusted k= .7 and k =0.84, respectively). Discussion: All the investigated tests (except lack of hypomobility with PA glide test); as well as, the categories of lumbar segmental instability sub-classification, were significantly reliable in predicting lumbar stabilization. Key words: Low back pain, Segmental instability, Reliability, Physical examination, Clinical prediction rule. Discussion:
Author: Faisal Mohammad Alyazedi
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2253150471