The Reliability and Validity of Gluteal Endurance Measures (GEMs).
B J Lehecka, Barbara S Smith, Todd Rundell and 2 others
PMID 34909251WHAT IT FOUND
Two new gluteal endurance tests showed high reliability and specificity for gluteal fatigue.
However, they did not distinguish between healthy subjects and those with recurrent low back pain. Use these tests to measure gluteal endurance, but not yet to screen for back pain history.
Key findings
01Both gluteal endurance measures demonstrated high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.
02Subjects primarily reported gluteal fatigue as the reason for stopping the tests, indicating good specificity for the gluteal muscles.
03There were no statistically significant differences in test scores between subjects with and without recurrent low back pain.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample consisted entirely of young, relatively active university students (18-35 years), so results may not generalize to older, less active, or clinical populations. The 'recurrent LBP' group had no pain at the time of testing, which may explain the lack of difference compared to healthy controls. Criterion validity against a gold standard was not established; validity relied on EMG fatigue patterns and subjective reports. Surface EMG limitations, such as cross-talk from surrounding muscles, were present despite precautions.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest, including financial arrangements or organizational affiliations.
The easy way to misread this
Do not use these tests to screen for a history of low back pain. The study found no significant difference in scores between healthy subjects and those with recurrent low back pain, so a normal score does not rule out a history of LBP, and a low score does not confirm it.