Contribution of isokinetic dynamometry of the lumbar spine in an occupational mutual insurance company

Objetive: To determine the discrepancy between the clinical manifestations and complementary test findings in lumbar spine disorders. Patients and methods: A total of 64 patients (50 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 45 years (range: 33-55) were subjected to dynamometric testing to determine concentric and eccentric strength of the extensor muscles of the lumbar spine. The patients presented lumbar disorders; 36 had suffered occupational accidents and 28 common contingencies. Most of the males worked in construction, while the women were involved in processing or assembly operations. Exertion sincerity was determined by REC (eccentric / concentric ratio) and DEC (difference between REC at high velocity and REC at low velocity). Results: The mean days from the start of sick leave to the moment of testing was 280 days in the case of occupational accidents and 157 days in the case of contingencies. Most of the tests (68%) registered parameters indicative of maximum exertion. These tests showed extensor deficiencies in the eccentric (50%) and concentric modalities (60%). Conclusions: Isokinetic dynamometry of the lumbar spine offers an estimation of spinal functionality.