Previous research has suggested that trunk muscles with lowered levels of muscular endurance can predispose an athlete to low back pain. This study sought to examine the exact role that trunk muscle endurance plays in the development of low back pain among female dance students. To achieve this, the researchers had all study participants perform four isometric trunk muscle endurance tests: right side plank, left side plank, double straight leg raise, and the Sorensen test. The study’s participants were female dance students; 11 of the 17 participants had low back pain while the remaining 6 did not. The study found significant differences between groups for both side planks and the double straight leg raise, with the low back pain group recording significantly shorter times on these tests (a shorter time indicated lower levels of muscle endurance). Therefore, it appears that, among female dance students, those with low back pain have lower levels of trunk muscle endurance than those who do not. These findings are consistent with previous literature that identified good isometric endurance of the trunk muscles as a protective mechanism against the development of low back pain. However, the results of this study can only demonstrate association, not causation with respect to lower levels of trunk muscle endurance and the development of low back pain. It is possible that the dancers' low back pain limited their ability to effectively perform the trunk muscle endurance tests.
Swain C, Redding E. Trunk muscle endurance and low back pain in female dance students. J Dance Med Sci. 2014;18(2):62-66
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