Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and physical functioning: an exploration of associations between self-reported measures and physical performance tests.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative spinal stenosis is a common lumbar condition in the elderly population. Clinical decision-making in the physiotherapy settings is based on assessments of the patients physical status. The purpose of this study was to examine how self-reported measures on symptoms and physical function relate to responses on physical performance tests.

METHODS: A total of 103 patients with LSS completed a comprehensive questionnaire and physical performance tests (functional leg-strength and dynamic balance). Associations between the subscales Symptom Severity (SYMP) and Physical Function (FUNC) from the Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire, and the performance tests were examined. Univariate correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were applied.

RESULTS: The associations between SYMP or FUNC and the performance tests were moderate (?0.3 < rho < 0.6). The multivariable analyses showed that One-leg-Stand, 30s sit-to-stand were significantly associated with SYMP (< 0.001 < p < 0.03), whereas Stairclimb, was significantly associated with FUNC (< 0.001 < p < 0.005). The explained variance was fair for both adjusted models (R2  = 0.31 and R2  = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that both self-reported symptoms and walking limitation are associated with leg strength, while only symptoms are associated with balance. The results suggest that a combination of simple performance tests will add information needed to map the patients disability and guide interventions. Implications for Rehabilitation One-leg-standing, 30-s sit-to-stand and stair climb test are easy to use and applicable for examining physical function in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Simple performance tests add information needed to map the patients' disability and guide interventions. Leg strength is a key factor for both symptoms and walking ability. Also, balance is of importance for the symptoms in LSS patients.