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Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
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Intensity of chronic pain modifies postural control in low back patients
1Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Poland. tsipko@wp.pl
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Patients with higher chronic low back pain levels exhibit impaired postural control and adaptability compared to those with lower pain levels. This suggests altered executive function contributes to chronic pain and central sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Altered central motor control is implicated in chronic pain development and persistence.
- Postural control may be influenced by central nervous system changes associated with pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural control between high pain (HP) and low pain (LP) groups in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients.
- To investigate the relationship between pain intensity, cortical function, and body balance.
Main Methods:
- 36 CLBP patients were stratified into LP (n=16) and HP (n=20) groups based on pain intensity.
- Assessed pressure pain threshold (PPT) of muscles and body balance on hard and soft surfaces.
- Analyzed postural performance, visual reliance, and sway entropy.
Main Results:
- HP group had lower PPT and greater reliance on visual input for balance on hard surfaces.
- LP group demonstrated reduced sway entropy on foam surfaces, indicating higher cognitive balance investment.
- HP group showed no change in sway entropy, suggesting impaired postural adaptability.
Conclusions:
- Altered executive function plays a role in CLBP, supported by balance and pain assessments.
- Central sensitization is suggested by pain measurements.
- Higher pain levels correlate with deficits in postural adaptability and automaticity.
