Asymmetrical movements of the lumbopelvic region: Is this a potential mechanism for low back pain in people with lower limb amputation?

Low back pain (LBP) is a major secondary disabling condition following lower limb amputation including persons with above-knee and below-knee amputation. Whilst the increasing prevalence of this musculoskeletal problem in people with lower limb amputation is well recognised, the mechanisms of LBP in this population have been poorly explored. Asymmetrical movements and loading patterns have been found in persons following lower limb amputation and linked to the high prevalence of LBP in this population. However, some argue that such asymmetries are part of the 'normal' adaptive process following lower limb amputation. We hypothesise that there is potential for some of the kinematic and kinetic adaptations in the lumbopelvic and trunk region to be 'mal-adaptive', potentially acting as a contributing factor for the onset or maintenance of LBP symptoms in this population. Evidence for movement and muscle asymmetries around the lumbopelvic and lower limb region provides some support for an association between LBP and movement asymmetry in the general population. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesise that movement asymmetries will demonstrate an association with LBP in lower limb amputee populations. Previous studies investigating movement and loading patterns within this population have focused mainly on gait analysis. Therefore, there is a need for further research to investigate the presence and potential association of asymmetrical movement patterns of the lumbopelvic region with LBP in a range of specific functional tasks. Results of such studies will identify the asymmetrical movement patterns and functional tasks associated with LBP in this population. Furthermore, it will inform future case-control and longitudinal studies to specifically investigate the putative links for such asymmetrical movement patterns as risk factors to LBP in this population.