Postural Control of Patients with Low Back Pain Under Dual-Task Conditions

Low back pain is a major global public health problem, but the current intervention effect is not ideal. A large body of previous literature suggests that patients with chronic low back pain may have abnormal postural control, which is more evident in the dual task situation. In recent years, research on postural control in patients with low back pain under dual-task conditions has gradually become a hot topic. However, the results obtained from these studies were not entirely consistent. In this review, we summarized relevant studies on the performance of postural control in patients with low back pain under dual-task conditions, analyze it from the perspective of the theoretical model of dual-task interaction, the specific research paradigm of dual task, the performance of postural control, and the related factors affecting postural control performance, etc. It was reasonable to assume that patients with low back pain might have a certain degree of abnormal postural control, and this abnormality was affected by comprehensive factors such as age, cognitive resource capacity, attention needs, complex sensorimotor integration, external environment, etc. Furthermore, postural control performance in low back pain patients under dual-task conditions was further influenced by the nature and complexity of the different tasks. In general, the more attention resources were needed, the external environmental conditions were worse, and the age-related functions were degenerate, etc., the weaker posture control ability was. In short, a deeper understanding of postural control in patients with low back pain under dual-task conditions may shed light on more references for the rehabilitation and management of low back pain, as well as some new ideas for scientific research on cognition and postural control.

Automated summary

Low back pain is a significant public health problem worldwide, but current interventions are not effective enough. Previous studies have shown that patients with chronic low back pain may have abnormal postural control, particularly under dual-task conditions. However, the results from these studies are inconsistent. This review summarizes relevant research on postural control in low back pain patients under dual-task conditions, analyzing it from various perspectives such as the theoretical model of dual-task interaction, specific research paradigms, postural control performance, and factors influencing postural control. It is reasonable to assume that low back pain patients may have abnormal postural control, influenced by factors such as age, cognitive resources, attention, sensorimotor integration, and the environment. Additionally, the nature and complexity of tasks further impact postural control performance. A deeper understanding of postural control in low back pain patients under dual-task conditions can provide valuable insights for rehabilitation and management, as well as contribute to scientific research on cognition and postural control.