Gluteus maximus isometric strength is related to performance-based function in chronic mechanical low back pain: Cross-sectional study

Background and purpose Gluteus maximus strength is declined in chronic mechanical low back pain. This decline may be associated with impaired function both self-reported and performance-based ones. More researches are needed to confirm this relation. This study aim is to investigate the association between gluteus maximus muscle isometric strength, and self-reported function and functional performance in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic. Twenty-four patients with chronic mechanical low back pain with age range between 21 and 45 years were included. All patients were assessed for gluteus maximus isometric strength (bilaterally) and function (self-reported and performance-based) using Hand-held dynamometer, Arabic version of Oswestry Disability Index, and One legged hops test (Single limb triple hop test for distance and Single-Limb crossover hop test for distance, on both sides) respectively. Results There was a significant positive moderate correlation (r=0.44-0.54, P