Sensory Organization and Postural Control Strategies During Quiet Standing in People with Acute Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare posturographic measures between acute low back pain patients (LBP) and healthy controls.

METHODS

A total of 20 participants with acute LBP were compared with a group of matched, healthy participants. Sensory organization, standing balance, and motor control strategies were assessed with the Neurocom Smart Balance Master posturography platform.

RESULTS

The MANOVA indicated significant between-group differences in equilibrium (F = 5.58, p < 0.001) and strategy scores (F = 3.98, p = 0.006) across the six conditions of the sensory organization test. The equilibrium scores were significantly lower in participants with acute LBP compared to controls in all conditions except conditions 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). Similarly, strategy scores were significantly reduced in the acute LBP group compared to the control group in all conditions except condition 1 (p < 0.05). Visual and vestibular ratios were significantly lower in the acute LBP group than in controls (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in somatosensory ratios between the two groups (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute LBP exhibit impaired postural control and altered movement strategies under sensory challenges, highlighting the importance of early assessment and rehabilitation targeting sensorimotor deficits to reduce the risk of recurrence.