Dataset for "MRI-derived morphological determinants of myotonometric mechanical properties of the lumbar paraspinal muscles in women with chronic low back pain"

This dataset supports the study “MRI-derived morphological determinants of myotonometric mechanical properties of the lumbar paraspinal muscles in women with chronic low back pain: a hierarchical variance decomposition study.” The dataset contains de-identified participant-level data from 15 adult women with chronic low back pain and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed lumbar intervertebral disc pathology. Bilateral measurements were obtained 2 cm lateral to the L4 spinous process over the lumbar multifidus–erector spinae (LMES) compartment. The Excel workbook contains four sheets: README – description of the dataset, study population, and file structure; Participant_characteristics – age, height, body mass, body mass index, and pain duration; Analysis_data – side-specific MyotonPRO-derived frequency, stiffness, logarithmic decrement, relaxation time, and creep, together with MRI-derived LMES cross-sectional area and local subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness; Data_dictionary – variable definitions, units, and analytical roles. Only variables reported or analysed in the associated manuscript are included. Participant identifiers are pseudonymous, and the dataset contains no direct personal identifiers. The data were used for side-specific descriptive analyses and hierarchical linear regression models assessing the contribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and LMES cross-sectional area to myotonometric parameters. The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Opole, Poland (approval no. UO/0014/KB/2024).