Differences in tactile grid localization accuracy between people with back pain compared to individuals without pain

The study aimed to investigate the grid localization test (GLT) between patients with lower back pain and those without back pain.

Individuals receiving physical therapy were tested before treatment with a GLT to the low back. Testing was performed in the prone position. Participants were oriented to the 12-box, 50 mm grid squares, arranged in three rows and four columns, with a single touch in the center of each square, and provided with the corresponding number for that square. Twenty random touch points were then applied with a single touch in the center of the square, and the participant's accuracy in reporting the correct number associated with the touched square was recorded.

GLT was done on 26 individuals with lower back pain compared to 26 individuals without back pain. Those with back pain had a mean accuracy score of 52.41 %, compared to those without back pain, who averaged 76.18 % accuracy, adjusted for age as a covariate between groups. This was a significant difference (p < 0.001) that demonstrated a large effect size (partial η² = 0.296). Interestingly, those with acute pain (<3 months) scored (n = 14, mean = 48.9 %, SD = 21.2 %), similarly to those with chronic pain (>3 months) (n = 12, mean = 49.2 %, SD = 20.3 %).

When tested with GLT, individuals with low back pain exhibit poorer accuracy scores compared to those without pain. Future studies are needed to determine if treatment to improve accuracy scores has therapeutic benefits.