Physical Performance Tests in Low Back Pain
Traditional clinical assessments based on physical impairment, such as range of motion and strength, may not be directly related to 
lumbar spinal function, although functional ability is often inferred from these measures.
This study was designed to assess the clinical usefulness and validity of physical performance tests thought to measure function. The tests included:
* a 5-minute walk,
* a timed 50-foot walk,
* lumbar flexion,
* repeated trunk flexion,
* repeated sit to stand,
* loaded reach,
* timed up and go, and
* the Sorensen lumbar spine extension fatigue test.
Patients reported that the tests in this study were acceptable to perform. Practitioners felt that the measures were easy to administer and interpret. Overall, researchers found that the measures had good-to-excellent reliability, validity and clinical use.
Note: This well-executed research provides more evidence for the use of functional outcome measures. Doctors will find that the literature in this area is beginning to outweigh the literature surrounding the use of many provocative maneuvers, otherwise known as “orthopedic tests.”
Dr Jeff Banas Treats Back Pain in Mesa AZ
Simmonds MJ, Olson SL, Jones S, et al. Psychometric characteristics and clinical usefulness of physical performance tests in patients with low back pain. Spine, Nov. 15, 1998;23(22) pp2412-21.
