ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic lumbar radiculopathy, often caused by lumbosacral disc herniation, leads to significant muscle changes and back pain. Previous studies have demonstrated that specific muscles, such as lumbar multifidus (LM) and transversus abdominis (TrA), are preferentially affected in individuals with low back pain. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate maximal concentric isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torque in patients with unilateral chronic lumbar radiculopathy in comparison to healthy subjects. Methodology: Sixty-two male participants aged 35 to 45 years were included and divided into two groups: 31 male patients with chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy and 31 healthy matched controls. Lumbar flexion and extension muscles strength were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: Patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy exhibited a significant reduction in lumbar flexion and extension strength compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: There is a significant reduction in trunk muscle strength at 60˚/s and 120˚/s velocities in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients compared to healthy controls.

Keywords: Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy – Muscle Strength – Lumbar Multifidus – Transversus Abdominis –Isokinetic Dynamometer.