Muscle strength in Brazilian firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND Imbalance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk could negatively influence spinal stability. OBJECTIVES Investigate the strength balance between flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk in military firefighters with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). METHODS One hundred and two male firefighters were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer at 120°/s and 60°/s to investigate the balance ratio between flexor and extensor (F/E) muscles. RESULTS An F/E ratio of 0.72 (SD: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.67-0.76; SEM: 0.02) was observed at 60°/s and 0.94 (SD: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.85-1.03; SEM: 0.04) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the extensor muscles was 343.1 N.m/Kg (SD: 94.87; 95% CI: 322.8-363.5; SEM: 10.23) at 60°/s and 270.5 N.m/Kg (SD: 113; 95% CI 246.3-294.8; SEM: 12.18) at 120°/s. The mean peak torque of the flexor muscles was 232.4 N.m/Kg (SD: 53.86; 95% CI 220.8-243.9; SEM: 5.81) at 60°/s and 223.8 N.m/Kg (SD: 66.34; 95% CI 209.6-238.1; SEM: 7.15) at 120°/s. All torques generated by the extensor muscles were higher than the flexor muscles (p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS Firefighters with NSCLBP presented a normal F/E balance ratio and higher strength of extensor muscles of the trunk.