EFFECT OF CHRONIC MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN ON DYNAMIC BALANCE

Abstract

Dynamic balance, which is vital for all dynamic activities, could be affected by various parameters of back dysfunction. Purpose: To find if there is a difference in dynamic balance responses between chronic mechanical low back pain CMLBP patients and normal subjects, and to find if pain duration and Oswestery disability score (ODS) of the patients are related to dynamic balance responses. Methods: 20 normal volunteers and 20 CMLBP patients of moderate disability participated in this study. Medio-lateral (ML) and antero-posterior (AP) stability indices were measured in live dynamic balance conditions using Biodex stability system designed to e quantify dynamic balance. Results: AP stability indices were significantly greater in all the five tested conditions in the CMLBP patients as compared to healthy subjects. ML stability indices were significantly greater in CMLBP patients in all the tested condition except with single foot. AP Stability index of standing on both feet after lumbar fatigue and standing on both feet with head turning showed higher significant difference from the baseline condition in CMLBP group as compared to normal subjects. Pain duration and ODS were moderately correlated with AP stability index of standing on both feet. Conclusion: Patients with CMLBP, in contrast to healthy control subjects, demonstrated a significantly different dynamic balance measurements in nearly all the five tested conditions, especially after lumbar fatigue and with head turning. This difference may constitute a predisposing factor to low back injuries and recurrent pain episodes.