Measurement of dynamic balance in chronic low back pain patients

ABSTRACT

Dynamic balance, which is vital for all dynamic activities, could be affected by various parameters of back dysfunction. To find if there is a difference in dynamic balance responses between chronic mechanical low back pain [CMLBP] patients and normal subjects. Twenty normal volunteers and twenty CMLI3P patients of moderate disability participated in this study. Medio-lateral [ML] and antero-posterior [AP] stability indices were measured in five dynamic balance conditions using Biodex stability system designed to qualify dynamic balance. 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 conditions except with single foot. Patients with CMLBP, in contrast to healthy subjects, demonstrated a significantly reduced dynamic balance measurements in nearly all the five tested conditions. These impaired balance responses may constitute a predisposing factor to low back injuries and recurrent pain episodes