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Postural control in individuals with and without non-specific chronic low back pain: a preliminary case–control study

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Abstract

Study design

A preliminary case–control study.

Objective

To assess postural control in individuals with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (cLBP) during quiet standing.

Summary of background data

cLBP affects 12–33 % of the adult population. Reasons for pain chronicity are yet poorly known. Change in postural control may be a risk factor for cLBP, although available studies are not conclusive.

Methods

Sample consisted of 21 individuals with cLBP and 23 controls without cLBP. Balance was assessed using a force plate (Balance Master®, NeuroCom) by the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance, pain severity by the visual analogue scale, quality of life with the SF-36 Questionnaire, and functional disability with the Roland-Morris Questionnaire.

Results

Groups were homogeneous for age, weight, height and body mass index. Relative to controls, participants in the cLBP group had deficits in the postural control, with greater postural sway in the quiet standing condition with closed eyes closed on unstable surfaces (p < 0.05) for the following parameters: total COP oscillation [cLBP 1,432.82 (73.27) vs CG 1,187.77 (60.30)], root mean square sagittal plane [cLBP 1.21 (0.06) vs CG 1.04 (0.04)], COP area [cLBP 24.27 (2.47) vs CG 16.45 (1.79)] and mean speed of oscillation [cLBP 12.97 (0.84) vs CG 10.55 (0.70)].

Conclusion

Postural control, as evidenced by increased oscillation of COP, is impaired in individuals with cLBP relative to controls. Differences are magnified by visual deprivation and unstable surface conditions.

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Acknowledgments

This study had Public Financial Support of: State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Conflict of interest

Financial disclosure statements have been obtained, and no conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors or by any individuals in control of the content of this article. This study had Public Financial Support of: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and there are no conflicts of interests to the work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Rene Rogieri Caffaro, Fábio Jorge Renovato França, Thomaz Nogueira Burke, Maurício Oliveira Magalhães, Luiz Armando Vidal Ramos & Amélia Pasqual Marques

  2. FMUSP, Rua Cipotânea 51, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05360-160, Brazil

    Amélia Pasqual Marques

Authors
  1. Rene Rogieri Caffaro
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  2. Fábio Jorge Renovato França
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  3. Thomaz Nogueira Burke
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Correspondence to Thomaz Nogueira Burke.

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Caffaro, R.R., França, F.J.R., Burke, T.N. et al. Postural control in individuals with and without non-specific chronic low back pain: a preliminary case–control study. Eur Spine J 23, 807–813 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3243-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3243-9

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