EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION OF EXTERNAL ABDOMINAL PRESSURE WITH MUSCLE MASS AND LOW BACK PAIN IN OLDER ADULTS

Purpose: Low back pain is a common issue among older adults, often attributed to weakened trunk muscles. Understanding the relationship between muscle mass and abdominal pressure can offer valuable insights for managing low back pain. This study aimed to explore the correlation of external abdominal pressure using a novel device with abdominal muscle mass and low back pain. Methods: Elderly individuals over the age of sixty-five were recruited. External abdominal pressure was measured using RECORE, while muscle mass and thickness were assessed via impedance measurement and ultrasound. The presence of low back pain was also investigated. Results: Correlation analysis showed a weak correlation between abdominal pressure and trunk muscle mass, as well as a weak correlation with the thickness of deep muscles, transversus abdominis ([Formula: see text] = 0.37) and internal oblique ([Formula: see text] = 0.33). Logistic analysis demonstrated a significant association between abdominal pressure and the presence of low back pain. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that abdominal pressure is weakly linked to abdominal muscle size, particularly the deep muscles, and that measuring external abdominal pressure can provide insights into abdominal muscle function and low back pain in older adults.