A review of recent studies examining the effect of stretching exercises designed to condition both the lumbar extensors and spinal extensors has been conducted. These studies have been performed using dynamic and static stretches and different types of exercise routines. The outcome of these studies has been mixed. One of the tests used showed that lower back extensor strength was greater when performing a static back extension exercise than when doing an exercise using a free weight.

In another study, lower leg torque was greater for those participants who performed stable or dynamic lateral extension exercises versus those who performed restricted static activities. No significant changes in the ability to perform tasks were found in either group of individuals. In addition, an evaluation of spinal flexion strength demonstrated greater regional activation for those individuals who performed lateral extension tasks versus those who performed static tasks. However, there was no difference in strength between groups when performing low back pain tasks.

It is important to remember that spinal flexion and movement are directly related to performance in common physical activities such as sitting, standing, walking and climbing stairs. As such, it makes sense to test participants for functional capacities using common activities instead of lumbar extension exercises or specific lower back pain tests. To perform the study, a variety of movements were performed on a stationary platform. These movements included a range of lower leg lift tasks (baseline test) and lumbar extension tasks (also baseline test). General parameters from the tests were compared between groups to determine which one had a greater functional advantage. The mean percentage of change from baseline was also calculated for each group.

The results showed that both static and dynamic tasks required significant increases in performance time for the subjects to reach the same level as those in the dynamic task condition. In addition, when comparing static to dynamic performance, it was found that the differences in muscle fibre angles between groups were not significantly different. There was no significant difference in the mean percentage of change from baseline for either group. This was therefore reassuring for researchers who are investigating the benefits of improving lumbar extensor muscle fibre angles through training.

However, a recent study has questioned the reliability of this relationship due to age and poor spine mechanics. The researchers examined older adults and found that there was no significant correlation between lumbar extensor muscle strength and spine biomechanics or functionality. In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean percentage of change from baseline for either the dynamic or static conditions. The authors conclude that there may be no significant relationship between spine mechanics and lumbar muscle strength.


It is important to point out that this lack of significant association does not necessarily mean that lumbar extensors are ineffective in preventing back pain in older adults. Even if Another Point of View are unable to prevent pain, the spine's mechanics can be improved and thus back pain could be prevented. What it does suggest is that it is important to train these muscles in order to improve back pain in elderly people. In addition, it would help if the strengthening exercises are performed with more focus on obtaining superior back functioning skills. More research is definitely needed in this area before we can make any claims regarding the effectiveness of strengthening exercises for aging people. Currently, we know that the correlation between strength and spine biomechanics is minimal in older adults.