DOES A HIGH LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW BACK PAIN ENSURE BETTER POSTURAL STABILITY?

Abstract

An increase in the level of physical activity has become an important part of recommendations in the management of low back pain (LBP). While the effect of a low level of physical activity on postural stability is becoming clear, the possible effect of high level of physical activity in individuals with LBP has received less attention to date. Objective. The aim of this study was to find out whether there exist differences regarding postural stability taking into account the level of physical activity in individuals with and without LBP. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 58 participants with LBP and 24 healthy persons. Participants were divided into two subgroups, i.e. participants with a moderate level of physical activity (MPA) and participants with a high level of physical activity (HPA). A questionnaire was used to assess LBP prevalence. Postural stability was assessed with the use of the dynamographic platform. Results. There were no differences between groups for any of the centre of pressure (COP) parameters assessed: average velocity (V), area of the ellipse (AoE), length of the ellipse in the anteriorposterior direction (LoEAP) and length of the ellipse in the medial-lateral direction (LoEML). Conclusion. Our study showed that in the group of participants with LBP a high level of physical activity does not ensure better postural stability than a moderate level of physical activity. However, physical activity helps people with LBP to prevent postural instability.