The effect of low back pain on spine kinematics: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although impairments in dorso-lumbar spine mobility have been previously reported in patients with low back pain, its exact mechanism is not yet clear. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate and compare spinal kinematics between subjects with and without low back pain and identify appropriate tools to evaluate it.

The PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. The search strategy was mainly focused on studies investigating lumbar kinematics in subjects with and without low back pain during clinical functional tests, gait, sports and daily functional activities. Papers were selected if at least one of these outputs was reported: lumbar range of motion, lumbar velocity, lumbar acceleration and deceleration, lordosis angle or lumbar excursion.

Among 804 papers, 48 met the review eligibility criteria and 29 were eligible to perform a meta-analysis. Lumbar range of motion was the primary outcome measured. A statistically significant limitation of the lumbar mobility was found in low back pain group in all planes, and in the frontal and transverse planes for thoracic range of motion, but there is no significant limitation for pelvic mobility. The amount of limitation was found to be more important in the lumbar sagittal plane and during challenging functional activities in comparison with simple activities.

The findings of this review provide insight into the impact of low back pain on spinal kinematics during specific movements, contributing to our understanding of this relationship and suggesting potential clinical implications.