The effect of real-time spinal postural biofeedback on seated discomfort in people with nonspecific chronic low back pain

The authors studied the effect of real-time postural biofeedback on LBD among people with LBP.

A total of 24 participants with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) sat for 2 h while their seated posture and low back discomfort (LBD) were analysed. A total of 16 pain developers (PDs), whose LBD increased by at least two points on the numeric rating scale, repeated the procedure 1 week later, while receiving postural biofeedback. PDs were older (p ¼ 0.018), more disabled (p ¼ 0.021) and demonstrated greater postural variability (p, 0.001). The ramping up of LBD was reduced (p ¼ 0.002) on retesting, when sitting posture was less end-range (p, 0.001), and less variable (p ¼ 0.032).

Seated LBD appears to be related with modifiable characteristics such as sitting behaviour. Among people with sitting related NSCLBP, the ramping up of LBD was reduced by modifying their sitting behaviour according to their individual clinical presentation.

Postural biofeedback matched to the individual clinical presentation significantly reduced LBD within a single session. The authors suggests further research should examine the long-term effectiveness of postural biofeedback as an intervention for LBP.

 

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