Augmented Posterior Oblique Sling Activation on Lumbopelvic Recruitment Pattern in Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

The current study aims to determine the impact of augmented posterior oblique sling activation on lumbopelvic recruitment pattern and functional outcomes in patients with unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Low back pain is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Back pain and its related disability have a huge impact on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. It reduces an individual's ability to participate in work which in turn negatively affects their quality of life. Also, it has major economic consequences through increasing the cost of health care and work absenteeism. Among the many differentials of low back pain, the most common cause is lumbosacral radiculopathy. Patients with low back pain showed uncontrolled lumbopelvic mobility while performing hip extension movement in functional activities. In patients with back pain, there is over-activation of the hamstrings and erector spinae and delayed or absent contraction of the gluteus maximus. Clinically, this pattern is observed as an anterior pelvic tilt with increased extension in the lumbar spine as the patient lifts the leg into extension. So, repetition of this abnormal pattern in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy may result in mechanical and compressive stresses in the lumbar spine and magnify the patient's symptoms. Despite the role of POSM in improving spinal mobility and stability. And stabilizing the lumbopelvic joint, there are no previous studies investigating the impact of activation posterior oblique activation on this abnormal lumbopelvic recruitment and functional outcomes in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.