Effects of lumbosacral orthoses on postural control in individuals with or without non-specific low back pain

To investigate the effect of lumbosacral orthoses (LSOs) on postural control in individuals with or without non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

Individuals with NSLBP (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 28) were enrolled to assess the postural control with or without LSOs. Postural control was tested using the Balance Master^® NeuroCom system by the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance.

Relative to controls, patients with NSLBP had deficits in postural control with greater center of pressure (COP) sway velocity when standing on firm surface (with eyes open: p = 0.002; with eyes closed: p = 0.002) and standing on foam surface (with eyes open: p = 0.024; with eyes closed: p < 0.001). In the braced condition, the COP sway decreased in all subjects with or without NSLBP when standing on foam surface. There was no significant difference in the effect of LSOs on postural control between NSLBP group and healthy controls.

Individuals with NSLBP have poorer postural control than controls. LSOs seem to improve postural control when standing on unstable surfaces in subjects with or without NSLBP. The effect of LSOs on postural control may not depend on the level of baseline.