Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Differences in dynamic balance control based on pain catastrophizing level in individuals with nonspecific chronic
Razieh Mofateh1,2, Fatemeh Bakhshi Feleh1,3, Neda Orakifar1,2
1Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
Pain catastrophization (PC) is related to motor control changes in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). However, differences in dynamic balance control based on the level of PC still remain unclear in these individuals.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare the dynamic balance control between healthy controls and individuals with NSCLBP with high and low PC.
Methods:
Forty individuals with NSCLBP and 20 healthy participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Individuals with NSCLBP were classified into two groups of high and low PC. Dynamic balance control was assessed using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT), Five-Time Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT).
Results:
Statistical analyses showed that mean values of reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions of the MSEBT were significantly lower in individuals with NSCLBP with high PC compared to low PC (p = .04, p = .01, and p = .04, respectively) and healthy controls (p < .001, p = .001, and p = .006, respectively). In addition, for both the FTSS and TUG tests, the mean time was significantly greater in individuals with NSCLBP with high PC compared to low PC (p < .001 and p = .004, respectively) and healthy controls (p < .001).
Conclusions:
Our results showed poor dynamic balance control in individuals with NSCLBP with high PC. This suggests that PC could contribute to the impaired dynamic balance control in individuals with NSCLBP. Combining balance exercises and cognitive-behavioral treatments targeting PC may be useful for the improvement of dynamic balance control in individuals with NSCLBP with high PC.
