Article

Patients with chronic low back pain have a worse posture, probably related to
poor control of the back muscles and altered perception of the trunk midline. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a perceptive rehabilitation in
terms of stability and pain relief in patients with chronic nonspecific low back
pain. Thirty patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups: 15 patients
received rehabilitation, on the basis of a specific tool to perform perceptive
exercises [perceptive group (PG)], and 15 patients received a back school
programme [back school group (BG)]. Both groups were assessed using stabilometry
and the McGill Pain Questionnaire before and at the end of treatment. For the
reference values of stabilometric parameters, 15 healthy individuals were
enrolled. Significant reductions in sway length (P=0.019) and laterolateral sway
velocity (P=0.038) were observed in the PG. The anteroposterior sway velocity was
reduced in both the groups, but significantly only for BG (P=0.048). The
percentage of sway length reduction was inversely and significantly correlated
with the initial sway length value for PG (R=-0.708, P=0.003), but not for BG
(R=-0.321, P=0.243). In the PG, the sagittal arrows and bi-acromial and
bi-spinoiliac lines' angles were all significantly reduced. General pain relief
was reported after treatment, without a significant difference (P=0.436). Our
results suggest that a perceptive rehabilitation can improve the postural
stability for the realignment of the trunk, controlling the back pain. The use of
cognitive exercises may strengthen the usual rehabilitation of low back pain,
avoiding the recurrence of symptoms.

Langue : ANGLAIS