Sensory Organization and Postural Control Strategies During Quiet Standing in People with Acute Low Back Pain: A
Abbas Fatehi Peykani1,2, Maryam Saadat1, Saeideh Monjezi1
1Department of physiotherapy, school of rehabilitation sciences, Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Patients with acute low back pain (LBP) show poorer balance and altered movement strategies compared to healthy individuals. Early assessment and sensorimotor rehabilitation are crucial for managing LBP and preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition affecting millions globally.
- Postural control deficits are increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in LBP.
- Understanding sensorimotor alterations in acute LBP is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare posturographic measures between individuals with acute low back pain (LBP) and healthy controls.
- To investigate differences in sensory organization, standing balance, and motor control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Neurocom Smart Balance Master posturography platform for assessment.
- Compared 20 participants with acute LBP to a matched group of healthy controls.
- Evaluated equilibrium and strategy scores across six sensory organization test conditions.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in equilibrium and strategy scores between groups.
- Acute LBP patients demonstrated lower equilibrium and strategy scores, particularly under sensory challenges.
- Impaired visual and vestibular processing was observed in the LBP group, unlike somatosensory processing.
Conclusions:
- Acute LBP is associated with impaired postural control and altered movement strategies.
- Early assessment of sensorimotor deficits in LBP is recommended.
- Rehabilitation targeting sensorimotor impairments may reduce LBP recurrence risk.
