The effectiveness of an unstable sandal on low back pain and golf performance.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of unstable sandals on (1) low back pain (LBP) in golfers with undiagnosed moderate LBP, (2) static and dynamic balance, and (3) golf performance.


METHODS
This was a 6-week prospective study where subjects were randomized to a control group and an intervention group.


METHODS
Baseline measurements were recorded in the Human Performance Laboratory.


METHODS
Forty male golfers with nonspecific moderate LBP.


METHODS
The intervention group wore unstable shoes for 6 weeks, and the control group wore their regular golf shoes.


METHODS
Low back pain, timed balance, and golf performance were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks. Changes were compared through independent samples t tests.


RESULTS
(1) There was a significant difference between groups in the change of perceived LBP scores in the laboratory (test group: -17.5/100 mm, control: -3.6/100 mm) and in the comparison of the first week entries to the last week entries recorded in logbooks (test group: -10.7/100 mm, control group: +2.6/100 mm). (2) There was no significant change in the static or dynamic balance times. (3) There was no significant change in golf performance between the intervention and control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that unstable sandals can be used to reduce moderate lower back pain in this population of golfers without negatively affecting performance.
Nigg
Benno M
BM
Human Performance Laboratory, Roger Jackson Center for Health and Wellness Research, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. nigg@ucalgary.ca
Davis
Elysia
E
Lindsay
David
D
Emery
Carolyn
C
D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006055:Golf; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012775:Shoes