Altered Respiratory Function in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Review Article

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a major musculoskeletal complaint and a multidimensional problem. This study aimed to answer whether patients with LBP have an altered pattern or a reduced rate of respiration compared to healthy people. Materials and Methods: Two reviewers searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases from 2000 to 2020 using the search terms #x201C;low back pain #x201D; OR #x201C;low backache #x201D; OR #x201C;lumbago #x201D; AND #x201C;breath #x201D; OR #x201C;respiration #x201D;. The methodological quality of articles generated by the search was appraised using the modified version of the NewcastleOttawa scale. Results: A total of 7 studies were selected for the final review, with two examining respiratory parameters, one investigating the effects of cognitive tasks on respiratory function, two determining the impact of performing a task on respiratory function, and two observing breathing patterns during different tasks. Conclusion: Respiratory function is sub-optimal in chronic patients with LBP. Thus, respiratory rehabilitation is crucial to managing LBP problems.