Postural Control Measures of Patients with Lower Back Pain Using Balance Master(R) System

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate that lower back pain would influence postural control ability. METHOD: Thirty-eight adults (18 men, 20 women) participated and were divided into two groups; the study (patients with lower back pain) group and the control (healthy adults) group. Postural control ability of participants was evaluated through the Balance Master(R) system. A total of seven measurements were analyzed to determine the difference between the study and control group. RESULTS: Patients with lower back pain demonstrated weight bearing patterns on the non-tender side, wider area of sway (degrees) under conditions (unilateral stance on firm surface with eye closed) in modified clinical test sensory interaction on balance (p<0.05). Wider area of turn sway (degrees) and long turn time (sec) during step/quick turn were demonstrated in patients with lower back pain (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that patients with lower back pain was reduced in the postural control ability. Further studies about the effect of back exercise on postural control ability of patients with lower back pain should be carried out.