Sex differences in lumbopelvic movement patterns during hip medial rotation in people with chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE

To examine sex differences in lumbopelvic motion and symptom behavior during hip medial rotation in people with low back pain (LBP). We hypothesized that men would demonstrate greater and earlier lumbopelvic motion and would be more likely to report increased symptoms compared with women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

SETTING

University musculoskeletal analysis laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Persons with chronic LBP (N=59; 30 men, 29 women) were recruited from the community and a university-based physical therapy clinic.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Lumbopelvic rotation range of motion, amount of hip rotation completed before the start of lumbopelvic motion, and provocation of LBP symptoms during the test of prone hip medial rotation were measured.

RESULTS

Men demonstrated significantly more lumbopelvic rotation (men, 10.0°±5.1°; women, 4.5°±3.9°; P<.001) and completed less hip rotation before the start of lumbopelvic motion (men, 5.4°±3.8°; women, 16.0°±13.2°; P<.001) compared with women. Additionally, a significantly greater percentage of men (60.0%) than women (34.5%; P=.050) reported increased symptoms with hip medial rotation.

CONCLUSIONS

Men could be at greater risk than women for experiencing LBP symptoms related to hip medial rotation as a result of greater and earlier lumbopelvic motion.