Low Back Research Study

Participants completing this study will be reimbursed $25 for time and travel.

• We are testing a pioneering concept on resting back muscle stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared to healthy subjects without back pain and patients diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain.
• This Peoria IRB approved study on causes of low back pain has not been performed in any research center at the present time.
• We are recruiting subjects from all 3 groups between the ages of 18 to 46 years.
• Healthy subjects must be pain free to participate.
• Subjects with chronic low back pain should have symptoms for at least 3 months, without a specific diagnosis as the cause of their back pain, such as fracture or sciatica.
• This study uses a new, non-invasive electronic device that gently touches your skin to measure relaxed low back muscle stiffness.
• Measurements are painless, take about 30 minutes to complete, and are performed at convenient schedules on Bradley’s Campus.
• Each participant will be required to fill out a health history questionnaire and to complete the measurements.
• To participate select Request Information

Related Publications

• Biomechanical properties of low back myofascial tissue in younger adult ankylosing spondylitis patients and matched healthy control subjects
• Stiffness of resting lumbar myofascia in healthy young subjects quantified using a handheld myotonometer and concurrently with surface electromyography monitoring
• Greater Resting Lumbar Extensor Myofascial Stiffness in Younger Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Than Age-Comparable Healthy Volunteers Quantified by Myotonometry