• Holm SM
• Dickinson AL

• Physical Endurance

Poor isometric back extensor endurance, as measured by the Biering-Sorensens test, has been shown to predispose an individual to first-time low back pain. Nicolaisen and Jorgensen have developed a second test method. The aim of this pilot study was to compare these two tests and assess their prognostic capability. Thirty-two males and 32 females with no prior history of back pain performed the Beiring-Sorensen and Nicolaisen/Jorgensen tests for isometric back endurance. Subjects' physical activity, performance of back strengthening exercises, intraexaminer reliability, and testing order effect on endurance times were determined. The tests were compared for correlation of measurements. One year later, subjects were contacted to identify first-time back pain. Females demonstrated longer endurance times and males greater muscle force and torque. Endurance times for the Biering-Sorensen test were reliable for males and females. Endurance times for the Nicolaisen/Jorgensen test were reliable only for females. Endurance times for both tests were lower when performed second. There was no correlation between the two tests. This pilot study suggests that a future, larger study is warranted to determine if either test is prognostic of first-time back pain.