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

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of physiotherapy, school of rehabilitation sciences, Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran -Student Research Committee, 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.2025.85252.3885

Abstract

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.
        Level of evidence: III

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 14, Issue 4
April 2026
Pages 313-320

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 August 2025

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