A novel biomechanical device improves gait pattern in patient with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
METHODS
A retrospective study on patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP).


OBJECTIVE
To describe the gait stride characteristics of patients with chronic NSLBP, and to examine the effect of a novel biomechanical device on the gait stride characteristics of these patients.


BACKGROUND
Patient with NSLBP alters their gait patterns. This is considered a protective mechanism as patients try to avoid extensive hip and spine ranges of motion and minimize forces and moments acting on the body. In addition, there are changes in the neuromuscular control system in patients with LBP that could possibly be attributed to the effects of pain on motor control.


METHODS
Nineteen patients underwent a gait test, using an electronic walkway, at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Spatiotemporal parameters were used to identify changes in gait pattern. A novel biomechanical device comprised of 4 modular elements attached to foot-worn platforms was used in the study. The modules are 2 convex shaped biomechanical elements attached to each foot, one is located under the hindfoot region and the other is located under the forefoot region. The device was individually calibrated to each patient. The patients were instructed to walk with the calibrated biomechanical device on a daily basis for a period of 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found at baseline and after 12 weeks in normalized velocity (P = 0.03), cadence (P < 0.01), left normalized step length (P = 0.02), right normalized step length (P = 0.02), right swing (P < 0.01), right stance (P < 0.01), left single limb support (P = 0.01), left double limb support (P = 0.02), and right double limb support (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with NSLBP treated with the novel biomechanical device for 3 months increased walking speed through longer step length and eliminated asymmetrical differences.
Elbaz
Avi
A
APOS Research group, Herzliya, Israel.
Mirovsky
Yigal
Y
Mor
Amit
A
Enosh
Shavit
S
Debbi
Eytan
E
Segal
Ganit
G
Barzilay
Yair
Y
Debi
Ronen
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology