Relationship Between Lower Extremity Limb Alignment with Postural Balance and Physical Performance in Chronic Low...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) affects a significant portion of the adult population.
• Postural control and physical performance are often impaired in individuals with CLBP.
• The influence of lower extremity alignment on these impairments requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between lower extremity alignment and postural control in CLBP patients.
• To investigate the relationship between lower extremity alignment and physical performance in CLBP patients.
• To explore how specific lower extremity angular measurements correlate with balance and functional tests.

Main Methods:

• Sixty CLBP patients (18-65 years) were assessed.
• Lower extremity alignment was measured using multiple angles (e.g., mechanical tibiofemoral angle, Q angle).
• Postural control and physical performance were evaluated using balance tests (e.g., Star Excursion Balance Test) and functional tests (e.g., fingertip-to-floor test).

Main Results:

• Moderate correlations were observed between specific lower extremity angles (anatomical tibiofibular angle, Q angle) and dynamic balance measures.
• Significant associations were found between the anatomical-mechanical angle and functional tests (sock test, roll-up, fingertip-to-floor).
• The Q angle also showed significant correlations with functional tests (sock test, pick-up, fingertip-to-floor).

Conclusions:

• Deviations in lower extremity alignment are associated with impaired postural balance in CLBP patients.
• Altered lower extremity alignment correlates with reduced physical performance in individuals with chronic low back pain.
• These findings highlight the importance of assessing lower extremity biomechanics in the management of CLBP.