A cross-sectional investigation was conducted. In isometric hip-strength and lumbar-endurance tests, the researchers investigated the differences between chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients suited for the functional optimization strategy and healthy controls and identified classificatory threshold values for strength and endurance tests and ratios. Some approaches have categorized patients into homogeneous subgroups matched to specific medications to optimize the therapy outcome for CLBP. Patients with CLBP who were candidates for the functional optimization method were those who seek treatment because they suffered symptoms during activities with high physical demands while being asymptomatic. About 350 people (healthy controls, 170; CLBP patients, 180) were divided into two groups based on their age (18–40 and 41–65 years), sex, and level of physical activity. The Oswestry Disability Index score of the CLBP patients was less than 20%, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale score was less than 3. The participants were put through isometric hip abductor, extensor, and flexor strength tests, as well as a deep abdominal function test, lateral/frontal bridge, and lumbar flexor/extensor endurance tests. CLBP patients had significantly (P>0.05) greater strength scores in the hip flexor and deep abdominal function tests than healthy controls, but lower endurance in the lateral and frontal bridge and lumbar flexor and extensor tests. The lumbar flexor test and its cutoff values, as well as the lumbar flexor/extensor, lateral bridge/lumbar flexor, frontal bridge/lumbar flexor, and hip extensor/flexor test ratios, all demonstrated good accuracy (AUC=0.84, 0.82, 0.79, 0.75, and 0.73 respectively). CLBP patients who were candidates for the functional optimization technique performed differently than healthy controls in lumbopelvic and hip-performance tests. These patients could be distinguished from healthy controls using precise cutoff values for strength and endurance tests and ratios, which should be considered in treatment decisions when patients need to return to more physically demanding activities.
