The relationship between sagittal curvature and extensor muscle volume in the lumbar spine

• DOI: 10.1111/joa.12047
• Publication Date: 2013-04-19T10:13:33Z
• Authors: Judith R. Meakin; Jonathan Fulford; Richard Seymour; Joanne R. Welsman; Karen M. Knapp
• Keywords: Erector spinae muscles

A previous modelling study predicted that the forces applied by extensor muscles to stabilise lumbar spine would be greater in spines have a larger sagittal curvature (lordosis). Because force-generating capacity of muscle is related its size, it was hypothesised size subject their lordosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were obtained, together with age, height, body mass and back pain status, from 42 female subjects. The volume (multifidus erector spinae) caudal mid-lumbar level estimated cross-sectional area measurements axial T1-weighted MRIs spanning spine. Lower determined images. stepwise linear regression model used determine best predictors volume. mean lower 281 cm(3) (SD = 49 cm(3)). 30 ° 7 °). Five subjects reported current excluded analysis. Nearly half variation accounted for variables age (standardised coefficient, B -3.2, P 0.03) (B 0.47, 0.002). results support hypothesis magnitude curvature; this has implications assessing as an indicator strength.