Low Back Pain and Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Strength Ratio in Military Personnel

NCT07606040 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Lithuanian Sports University31
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 71
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to determine the association between low back pain and the strength of knee flexor and extensor muscles in Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces personnel.

Conditions

Military Personnel; Low Back Pain

Keywords

strength; hamstrings; quadriceps muscle

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (9)

• Low back pain prevalence

  Participants were asked whether they had experienced low back pain during the past 12 months (yes/no). Participants who responded "yes" were classified into the low back pain group.

  Baseline

• Low back pain intensity

  LBP intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10) , where 0 - no pain, and 10 - worst imaginable pain.

  Baseline

• Low back pain duration

  Participants were asked to indicate LBP duration. LBP pain duration was classified as acute (\<3 months) or chronic (≥3 months)

  Baseline

• Muscle strength peak torque

  Muscle strength was assessed using the Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer. Participants were instructed to avoid vigorous physical activity 24 hours before testing and refrain from eating for at least 2 hours prior to assessment. A 10-minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer (50-60 W) and light dynamic exercises were performed before testing. Participants were seated with the backrest at 85° and hip flexion at 90°. The dynamometer axis was aligned with the lateral femoral epicondyle, and the lower leg was secured 2-3 cm above the ankle. The range of motion was set from 70° knee flexion to full extension. The trunk and tested limb were stabilized using straps. Testing included 5 repetitions at 60°/s and 10 repetitions at 120°/s, with a 30-second rest interval between sets. Prior to testing, participants performed 3-5 familiarization repetitions. Peak torque normalized to body weight (Nm/kg) was recorded.

  Baseline

• Average torque

  Was measured in Nm

  Baseline

• Muscle power

  in W

  Baseline

• Body weight

  Measured in kg

  Baseline

• Body height

  Measured in meters

  Baseline

• Age

  Measured in years

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Previous injuries

  Baseline

Study Arms (1)

Military personnel

Targeted population of Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces personnel

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population included active-duty Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces personnel recruited for participation in this cross-sectional analysis

You may qualify if:

• The study participants consisted of a targeted population of Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces personnel

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with a clinically diagnosed low back pain disorder or acute episodes of low back pain were excluded

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lithuanian Sports University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Department of health promotion and rehabilitation

Kaunas, LT, 44221, Lithuania

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Dudoniene V, Zemaitis E. Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among Lithuanian national defense volunteer forces. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 Oct 17;26(1):978. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-09235-1.

  PMID: 41107932 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Back Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CROSSOVER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 24, 2026
• First Posted: May 26, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: January 5, 2026
• Study Completion: April 22, 2026
• Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

LI (1)