A Kinematic Analysis of Automatic Postural Responses During Predicted and Unpredicted Postural Perturbations in People with Low Back Pain

Articles in Press

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of physiotherapy, school of rehabilitation sciences, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of physiotherapy, school of rehabilitation sciences, Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22038/abjs.2025.87584.3968

Abstract

Objective: There is little evidence regarding changes in kinematics postural responses following external perturbations in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in automatic postural responses between individuals with chronic LBP and asymptomatic adults following forward translation of the support surface.

Method: A total of 21 participants with chronic, non-specific LBP and 21 healthy matched adults participated in this study. Responses to both predicted and unpredicted perturbations through forward support surface translation, utilizing a motion analysis system were examined. Angular displacements of the trunk and lower limbs were measured during four predetermined time intervals associated with anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPA).

Results: In the unpredicted condition, angular displacement of trunk was lower during APA1 phase in the LBP pain group in comparison with control group (P=.04). Group Main effect was significant for hip (P =.009, ηp2 =.17), knee (P = .01, ηp2 =.16) and ankle (P =.01, ηp2 =.14) displacements in CPA1 phase. Also, group main effect was significant for hip (P =.01, ηp2 =.20), and knee (P =.04, ηp2 =.09) displacements during CPA2 phase and people with LBP had more displacement in lower limbs joints compared to controls in both predicted and unpredicted condition.

Discussion: People with chronic LBP showed different kinematic strategies in their trunk and lower limb joint in response to forward support surface translation. It suggests that clinician consider evaluating and addressing automatic postural responses.

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 December 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 16 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 19 October 2025

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