Static and dynamic postural stability in subjects with and without chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background: The present study were undertaken to compare the static and dynamic postural stability among chronic low back pain and normal subjects. Most of the studies have been conducted on sports professionals. The present study focuses on recreationally active population, for which the activity levels are comparatively lesser. Methods: Thirty subjects (15 Chronic Low back Pain and 15 Normal subjects) were recruited randomly who’s demographic are not varied. The static and dynamic postural stability test namely postural sway meter and Star excursion balance test were analyzed. Data were analyzed using test of homogeneity and Independent sample t test. Results: Descriptive statistics reflected homogeneity of the study population. Independent sample t-test was used to compare values for static and dynamic stability between chronic low back pain and Normal subjects. It showed a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in posterior and left lateral direction with t-value of -2.720 and -1.601 respectively for static stability. On the other hand, dynamic postural stability (SEBT) showed significant difference in all direction except on right leg; anteromedial, anterolateral and right and left posterior direction. Conclusions: Chronic low back pain group showed reduction in static and dynamic postural stability as compared to normals’.