Alterations of static and dynamic balance in patients with lumbar radiculopathy

Mary K.N Takla

doi:10.4103/bfpt.bfpt_22_18

Abstract

BackgroundLumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) is strongly associated with delayed recovery and persistent disability. Chronic LR may lead to somatosensory system impairment, resulting in decline of postural balance.PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate static and dynamic postural balance alterations in individuals with LR owing to lumbar disc herniation.Participants and methodsIn this case–control study design, 12 patients presenting with unilateral LR were included, whereas 12 normal individuals were randomly selected for control. Static balance was assessed functionally using Functional Reach Test. Dynamic balance was assessed via Biodex Balance System, where postural stability indices and the dynamic limits of stability were evaluated. Dynamic limits of stability parameters were expressed as direction control and time required to complete the test.ResultsThere was significant reduction of mean values of Functional Reach Test in LR group (P<0.0001) when compared with the control. In addition, there was a significant increase of the mean values of overall stability index (P<0.0001) and postural stability indices (P<0.0002) and a significant decrease of the mean values of direction control (P<0.0001) in the LR group.ConclusionPatients with chronic LR have shown to have limited functional abilities and decreased postural balance both statically and dynamically when compared with normal individuals.

Highlights

Low back pain (LBP) combined with leg pain is a common complaint, the pain duration is usually self-limited, with a favorable prognosis up to 90% of LBP cases within 6 weeks [1]
The prevalence of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) is roughly 3–5%; the association of adjacent lumbosacral nerve roots producing neural dysfunction and pain is more resistant to conservative treatment than LBP alone [2,3]
Inclusion criteria consisted of the following: (i) lumbar disc herniation (LDH) confirmed by a lumbosacral MRI at L4–L5 and/or L5–S1 levels; (ii) experienced Lumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) that lasted more than 3 months; (iii) a positive straight leg raising with induced symptoms; (iv) a score of 5 or more on the visual analog scale; and (v) a BMI ranging from 18.5 to less than 30

Summary

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) combined with leg pain is a common complaint, the pain duration is usually self-limited, with a favorable prognosis up to 90% of LBP cases within 6 weeks [1]. The prevalence of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) is roughly 3–5%; the association of adjacent lumbosacral nerve roots producing neural dysfunction and pain is more resistant to conservative treatment than LBP alone [2,3]. The most common cause for LR is a herniated disc impinging or irritating a nerve root [4]. Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate static and dynamic postural balance alterations in individuals with LR owing to lumbar disc herniation. Participants and methods In this case–control study design, 12 patients presenting with unilateral LR were included, whereas 12 normal individuals were randomly selected for control. Static balance was assessed functionally using Functional Reach Test. Dynamic limits of stability parameters were expressed as direction control and time required to complete the test

Objectives

Methods

Results