Health Characteristics, Neuromuscular Attributes, and Mobility Among Primary Care Patients With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Secondary Analysis.

Only 5 participants with symptomatic lumbar stenosis were analysed, compared with 45 without, so the study had low power to detect differences. It was a secondary analysis of a subset of Boston RISE participants who had CT scans and agreed to trunk extensor strength testing, so they may not represent all older primary care patients. Seven of 50 participants had missing data at the CT scan visit and were analysed using the most recent follow-up measures. CT scans were performed at different stages of follow-up, and assessments were matched to the visit closest to the scan. The study did not examine lateral recess stenosis or adjudicate knee osteoarthritis, so knee range differences could reflect other knee problems. No treatment was tested, so the findings cannot show that correcting any measured attribute improves mobility. The sample was limited to people aged 65 years or older who were already at risk for mobility decline.

Dr. Suri reports personal fees from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital during the conduct of the study. The supplied text does not state a funding source.

Do not read the knee range and pain differences as proof that a specific exercise programme will help symptomatic lumbar stenosis. The study was a small secondary comparison with only 5 participants meeting the symptomatic lumbar stenosis definition and did not test treatment.