Postural asymmetry and balance control during prolonged upright standing posture in individuals with chronic low back pain: effect of task constrain

• Grant number: 17/22857-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Janina Manzieri Prado Rico
• Grantee: Gabriela Otsubo Camilo dos Santos
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

To remain standing for a prolonged period of time requires the individuals to periodically perform postural changes, which may favor the adoption of more asymmetrical postures. However, individuals with chronic low back pain perform fewer postural changes and, therefore, remain less asymmetrical in prolonged standing. So far, it is not clear the reason for the adoption of more symmetrical and fixed posture due to the chronic low back pain. Therefore, the present study will investigate the body weight asymmetries and postural control of healthy adults and individuals with chronic low back pain during upright standing. Participants, equally divided into groups regarding to low back pain symptoms, will stand in different postural constrains for 25 minutes, while the body weight asymmetry over time and center of pressure displacement of each lower limb will be evaluated. It is hypothesized that individuals with chronic low back pain will adopt less asymmetric postures. The present study may raise new insights about the impact of low back pain on prolonged upright posture performed in daily life activities of humans. In addition, such findings can be used to assist workers who need to remain in a static posture for a prolonged period of time to perform their occupational activities, and perhaps to reduce the number of absence at work. (AU)