Persons in remission from recurrent low back pain alter trunk coupling under dual-task interference during a dynamic
K Michael Rowley1, Carolee J Winstein2, Kornelia Kulig2
1Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St, CHP-155, Los Angeles, CA, USA. kmichaelrowley@pt.usc.edu.
Experimental Brain Research
|March 19, 2020
Summary
Individuals with recurrent low back pain (rLBP) showed altered trunk control during balance tasks under cognitive dual-task conditions. However, both rLBP and healthy groups adapted similarly to task prioritization, suggesting comparable cognitive-motor control modulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Recurrent low back pain (rLBP) may involve altered reliance on cognitive resources for motor control.
- Cognitive dual-task interference paradigms can reveal underlying sensorimotor control strategies.
- Understanding cognitive contributions to posture is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cognitive dual-task interference affects trunk control and task performance in individuals with and without rLBP.
- To examine the capacity of individuals with and without rLBP to prioritize tasks under dual-task conditions.
- To test the hypothesis that rLBP influences cognitive resource allocation during dynamic balance.
Main Methods:
- Participants with and without rLBP performed a dynamic balance task (Balance-Dexterity Task) under single- and dual-task conditions (verbal working memory).
- Trunk control was assessed using thorax-pelvis frontal plane motion (R²).
- Task performance was measured by variability in spring compression force and cognitive task errors.
Main Results:
- Trunk coupling was initially lower in the rLBP group but increased during dual-tasking, matching the control group.
- Both groups demonstrated similar performance modulation based on task prioritization instructions.
- Cognitive task errors unexpectedly decreased in the dual-task condition, indicating a facilitation effect.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive dual-task interference alters trunk control in rLBP, potentially by reallocating cognitive resources.
- Individuals with and without rLBP exhibit similar abilities to modulate performance based on task priorities.
- The findings suggest that cognitive-motor interactions in rLBP may be understood through theories of movement reinvestment and action-specific perception.
