The relationship between self-report measures, flexibility, and functional performance in women with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background: Evaluating disability in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) involves various approaches, including self-reported measures, flexibility assessments, and functional performance tests that mimic activities of daily living (ADLs). However, the relationships among these outcomes remain unclear, raising concerns about the reliability of conclusions based on a single assessment. This study aims to examine the correlation between self-reported disability, flexibility, and functional performance in ADLs among women with CLBP. The findings will provide valuable insights for exercise specialists in assessing disability and designing targeted interventions for CLBP patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four women with CLBP of a mean intensity of 5.33 ± 1.40 over the past three months participated in the study. The outcome measures included the Rolland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), flexibility tests [modified fingertip-to-floor distance (MFFD) and straight leg raise test (SLRT)], and functional performance in activities of daily living (ADL) tests [standing-to-prone (StP), prone-to-standing, supine-standing-supine (SSS), 5 times sit-to-stand, and timed up and go]. Correlations were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r). Results: The RMDQ was only correlated with one ADL test, the StP. There were no significant correlations between flexibility and ADL tests. Only the SLRT on the left leg showed a moderate correlation with the SSS test, an unexplained finding owing to the absence of observational data. Conclusions: The RMDQ, flexibility, and ADL tests rarely correlated with each other, suggesting they represent distinct constructs that measure different outcomes. Therefore, exercise trainers are recommended to incorporate both self-reported and performance-based assessments when evaluating disability in CLBP patients. Additionally, alongside quantitative measures, qualitative assessments should be used to evaluate movement quality during ADLs.