Age-related differences on low back pain and postural control during one-leg stance: a case-control study
Rubens A da Silva1,2,3, Edgar R Vieira4, Carlos E Carvalho5
1Laboratory of Functional Evaluation and Human Motor Performance (LAFUP), Center for Health Science Research, Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR), 675 Paris Av, Londrina, CEP 86041-120, Brazil. rubensalex@hotmail.com.
Summary
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) significantly impairs balance in both young and older adults. Age exacerbates balance deficits, with older adults with CLBP showing poorer postural control.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is more prevalent in older adults.
- CLBP is linked to diminished postural control and increased fall risk.
- Age influences postural control and the impact of CLBP on balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural control in younger and older adults with and without CLBP.
- To investigate the effects of age and CLBP on one-leg stance balance.
- To quantify balance differences using center of pressure (COP) parameters.
Main Methods:
- Twenty subjects with CLBP and 20 without CLBP were recruited.
- Participants were divided into younger (mean age 31) and older (mean age 71) groups.
- Subjects performed three 30-second one-leg stance trials on a force platform, measuring COP parameters.
Main Results:
- Individuals with CLBP exhibited significantly poorer balance than those without (P < 0.05).
- The effect of CLBP on balance was larger in younger adults (d = 1.44) than older adults (d = 0.40).
- Older adults with CLBP demonstrated substantially poorer balance compared to younger adults with CLBP (d = 1.24).
Conclusions:
- CLBP negatively impacts balance across all age groups.
- Age-related declines in balance are evident and interact with CLBP.
- The findings highlight the combined influence of age and CLBP on postural control.
