Poster Presentation 51st International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Annual Meeting 2025

Introduction: Although chronic low back pain (LBP) is a complex condition often associated with altered motor control and compensatory postural adjustments, existing literature provides inconsistent reports on the underlying control mechanisms for maintaining balance. This study aimed to compare differences in sway distances between the center of pressure (COP) and the center of gravity (COG), while considering limb dominance, in adults with and without LBP.

Methods: There were 26 subjects with LBP and 39 control subjects who performed three repeated unilateral standing tasks on a force platform (Figure 1). Outcome measures included the sway distances between COP and COG in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, as well as the results of the fall efficacy scale (FES).

Results: A significant group interaction was demonstrated on limb dominance and direction for the sway distance (F = 5.46, p = 0.02). Specifically, in Figure 2, the third trial in the ML direction while standing on the dominant limb indicated a significant difference in COP-COG sway distance (t = -2.30, p = 0.01). When FES scores were used as a covariate, a significant three-way interaction (dominance x direction x trial) was found (F = 4.06, p = 0.04).

Discussion: Although no significant interaction was observed for dominance x direction x trial without the FES covariate, the LBP group showed an ability to utilize fall efficacy to reduce ML balance deficits. Clinicians should consider the role of neuromuscular control and limb dominance when developing fall efficacy strategies for postural adaptations in adults with LBP.