Muscle Endurance Evaluation with the Sorensen Test and Correlation with Demographics and the Baecke Leisure- Time Sport Activity Index in Healthy Young Adults

Background: Endurance testing of the paraspinaland hip muscles is important for the prediction and prevention of back pain. Timed endurance determination of posterior chain muscles with the Sorensen test and correlations withanthropometry and leisure time sport activity in a mixedgender population of healthy participants were the primary objectives of this study. Methods: 34 healthy young adults (16 women), with a mean age of 23.85 years participated in this study. Timed measurement of fatigue of the posterior chain muscles, in an unsupported isometric trunk-holding contraction in the horizontal position, secured with three canvas straps onto a therapy bed (Sorensen test) was performed to complete exhaustion. Subjects also completed the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity-Sport Index subscale. Between-gender differences were determined and correlations between anthropometry, leisuretime sport activityandSorensen test values were assessed. Results: There were between gender differences identified for Sorensen test values, however these were not statistically significant (mean difference=31.4 s). Sorensen test values correlated significantly with the Baecke Sport Index (r=0.78, p< 0.01). There were also significant negative correlations between Sorensen test values (r=-0.40, p=0.02) and the Baecke Sport Index (r=-0.35, p=0.04) with BMI. Conclusions: Leisure-time sport activity is associated with the posterior chain muscles isometric endurance performance in the Sorensen test in a group of participants without low back pain, of various sporting involvement. This finding highlights the significant role of leisure time sport activity on hip and paraspinal muscle endurance levels, possibly acting preventively in future firsttime back pain development. Keywords: Sorensen test; assessment; isometric endurance; back pain; preventio