Physiotherapists' and students' capacity to assess and categorize lumbar movement control using tests of lumbagopelvic movement control

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) affects a significant portion of the adult population, with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) being the most common form. Lumbopelvic movement control tests are used to assess motor control patterns in patients with NSLBP, aiding in diagnosis and treatment. However, the ability of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students to accurately perform these tests with minimal training remains unclear. This study aimed to identify commonly used lumbopelvic control tests and evaluate the ability of physiotherapists and final-year students to classify movement patterns in patients with NSLBP.
Methods:This study was conducted on physiotherapists were surveyed about the tests they commonly use to evaluate lumbopelvic control. Data were analyzed for agreement with an expert panel, and statistical comparisons were made using Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression.
Results: The study included 100 physiotherapists and 100 physiotherapy students. A majority (85%) of physiotherapists reported familiarity with lumbopelvic movement control tests, but clinical application was limited. Students showed higher agreement with the expert panel on several tests, such as the waiter’s bow and rocking backward tests. Both physiotherapists and students demonstrated the ability to classify movement patterns accurately, with no significant difference in performance based on experience or qualifications.
Conclusion: Lumbopelvic movement control tests can be effectively utilized by both physiotherapists and physiotherapy students, even with minimal training, to classify movement patterns in NSLBP. The results suggest that these tests are a feasible diagnostic tool for clinicians of varying experience levels, potentially improving the efficiency and consistency of NSLBP management.