Introduction:

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a pathomechanical alteration, in which stability is lost and the functioning of the pelvic girdle is altered; the ability to transmit and dissipate forces from the lower limbs to the spine and vice versa is also modified. The shortening of muscles such as the latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and lumbar spinal muscles can alter motor control and generate low back pain.

Objective:

To evaluate the muscle length of latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and lumbar spinal muscles, pain and functionality in young adults by comparing three study groups: pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and control.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 114 subjects of both sexes were included. Muscle length was assessed through muscle-specific tests. The Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry were used to measure pain and functionality, respectively. Differences in variables between study groups were calculated with the Chi2 test.

Results:

No differences in muscle length were observed in the study groups. The group with sacroiliac joint dysfunction presented more individuals with pain and moderate-severe functional limitation.

Conclusions:

Latissimus dorsi, hamstring and lumbar spinal retractions were not related to low back pain or sacroiliac joint dysfunction; however, young adults in this group presented more discomfort and disability.

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