The impact of non-specific low back pain on postural control, balance, fall, mobility and physical activity in elderly individuals: A comparative study

Purpose: Studies investigating the effects of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) on elderly individuals are limited in the literature. The study aimed to compare postural control, balance, physical activity and related factors in elderly individuals with and without the NSLBP. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional. A total of 67 elderly individuals (NSLBP group n=33 and control group n=34) were included in the study. Patients' pain intensity and disability levels were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Postural control and fall risk were measured using the Biodex Balance System. Participants' balance performance, mobility, fear of falling and physical activity levels were evaluated using functional reach test (FRT), timed up and go test (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form, respectively. Results: While there was a significant difference between the two groups in all parameters of static postural stability test (p<0.05), no difference was found in dynamic postural stability, modified clinical sensory integration test, and fall risk index (p>0.05). The FES-I score (p=0.003) and the TUG time (p=0.001) were significantly higher in the NSLBP group than in the control group. The FRT distance (p=0.001) and the IPAQ score (p=0.029) were significantly lower in the NSLBP group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that static postural control, balance, mobility, and physical activity are impaired in elderly individuals with NSLBP. Clinicians should take into account these disadvantages in planning rehabilitation programs in elderly individuals with the NSLBP.