Postural Control as a Predictor of Disability, Fall-Related Fear, and Social Participation in Elderly Women With Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Postural Control as a Predictor of Disability, Fall-Related Fear, and Social Participation in Elderly Women With Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is prevalent among elderly women and is often associated with impaired postural control, increased fear of falling, and reduced community participation. Understanding the interplay between these factors is essential for effective rehabilitation and fall prevention strategies in this vulnerable population.

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate

1. the relationship between postural control and its predictive value for fear of falling, disability as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and community integration in elderly women with NSLBP.
2. test whether postural control is a predictor for disability, fall-related fear and social engagement or not.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inclusion criteria include independent ambulation with or without assistive devices and a clinical diagnosis of non-specific low back pain persisting for at least three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants presenting with specific low back pain due to identifiable organic or pathological causes-such as herniated discs, spinal infections, fractures, tumors, inflammatory arthropathies, or neurological disorders affecting balance or gait-will be excluded to maintain sample homogeneity. Additional exclusion criteria include recent lower limb orthopedic surgery (within the past six months), uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, uncorrected visual or vestibular impairments, and severe cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24).