Static balance and its association with pain and disability in females with low back pain – a pilot cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Research on low back pain (LBP) indicates sex differences in the prevalence and degree of disability, which is more significant in females and shows possible balance deficiencies. This study aimed to answer the following research questions: (i) is there a difference in static balance between healthy and females with LBP, (ii) is there a correlation between pain and static balance in females with LBP, and (iii) is there a correlation between static balance and disability in females with LBP. Methods: A cross-sectional research was conducted in a physiotherapy outpatient setting on a sample of 50 subjects, females with LBP and healthy volunteers, divided into two equal groups. Data collected from all respondents were: age, weight and height, the centre of pressure path length and rectangle area, Romberg area quotient and space quotient measured via a stabilometric force platform. In the LBP group, the pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and disability was assessed using the 24-item Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Nonparametric statistical tests were used: the Mann-Whitney test (i) and the Spearman correlation coefficient (ii and iii) with a defined significance level set at p<0.05. Results: Statistical analysis revealed (i) a difference in static balance between healthy females and those with LBP, (iii) a correlation between disability and static balance and (ii) no correlation between pain and static balance in LBP. Conclusion: Females with LBP have static balance deficiencies, which are correlated with their disability but not with pain which should be considered during physiotherapy.