Postural Indices and Limits of Stability in Subjects Having Chronic Low Back Pain versus Healthy Control: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Balance and postural performance measures are quite variable. These measures can be influenced by chronic musculoskeletal problems. In the literature, contradicting results are given regarding the effects of postural stability indices and limits of stability measures in subjects having chronic low back pain. Additionally, the available work on this topic is still scarce.Aim: The aims of this study were to compare differences in limits of stability and postural indices among participants having chronic mechanical low back pain (LBP) and a matched healthy group.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional comparative study in which the LBP group consisted of 60 participants while the healthy control group comprised 30 subjects. The severity of pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Postural stability indices (overall, anteroposterior and mediolateral) and limits of postural stability (directional control and time) were measured using the Biodex balance device.Results: Both groups were similar regarding baseline characteristics (p>0.05). The overall and anteroposterior stability indices demonstrated statistically significant differences in favour of the healthy subjects (p2.8). Additionally, limits of stability measures indicated a statistically significant difference (p0.9).Conclusions: Chronic low back pain adversely affects postural stability indices and limits of stability.

Keywords

• Balance
• Biodex
• low back pain
• motor control
• postural performance