Abstract
Background:
Muscular endurance of the back extensors is less frequently assessed than muscular strength, although the endurance capabilities of these muscles may be as important as the strength in the prevention and treatment of low-back pain.
Objectives:
The study aimed to establish reference values, pattern of back extensor endurance and the relationship between isometric endurance of back extensor muscles and selected anthropometric indices, in apparently healthy young Nigerian adults.
Method:
A total of 300 young adults (150 males and 150 females) aged 17–30 years, participated in this Cross sectional study. The modified Biering-Sorensen test of Static Muscular Endurance (BSME) was used to assess isometric endurance of back extensor muscles. A height meter, bathroom weighing scale and flexible tape were used to collect data for the anthropometric indices-Body Mass Index (BMI), Height (H), Weight (W), Waist Circumference (WC), Hip Circumference (HC), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR). Data obtained was Summarised using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentages, percentile, range, mean and standard deviation, and while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to ascertain relationship. Alpha level was set at 0.05.
Results:
Mean Endurance Time (ET) for all the participants was 97.56 ± 43.96 secs. ET was inversely related to anthropometric indices- BMI, Height, Weight, WC,HC, WHR, WHtR. Males had higher maximum ET than females (288 secs and 254 secs). Gender differences was found in the anthropometric indices- BMI, WHR, WC, Weight and Height. Majority of the participants had medium endurance performance with the back endurance pattern in the ratio 1:2:1.
Conclusion:
The mean isometric back extensor endurance of apparently healthy young Nigerian adults was found to be lower than normal Biering-Sorensen holding times.