The correlation between low back pain intensity and sensorimotor function in postpartum women: an analytic
1Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Postpartum low back pain (PLBP) is linked to poorer postural control and proprioception. Rehabilitation should incorporate proprioceptive training to improve balance and reduce pain in postpartum women.
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Postpartum low back pain (PLBP) is a common condition affecting many women.
- Impaired postural control and proprioception may contribute to PLBP.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for effective rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the intensity of postpartum low back pain (PLBP) and postural control.
- To examine the relationship between PLBP intensity and proprioception in postpartum women.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 51 postpartum women.
- Assessment of PLBP using a visual analog scale.
- Measurement of postural stability, movement speed, and lumbopelvic proprioception using specialized devices (Biodex, Zebris, goniometer).
- Statistical analysis using Pearson correlations and linear regressions.
Main Results:
- PLBP intensity significantly predicted increased lumbopelvic proprioception error.
- Higher PLBP intensity was associated with reduced static overall and anterior-posterior stability.
- No significant associations were found between PLBP and mediolateral or dynamic stability.
Conclusions:
- Postpartum low back pain is strongly associated with impaired proprioception and postural control, especially in the anterior-posterior plane.
- Proprioceptive training should be integrated into postpartum rehabilitation programs.
- Enhancing proprioception may help improve postural control and alleviate lumbopelvic pain.
