Effects of Mechanical Low Back Pain in Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait

Background: Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common complaints of people, which may interfere with some aspects of daily living activity such as walking. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to objectively assess the effects of mechanical low back pain on the gait pattern. Methods: Thirty mechanical low back pain patients and 30 healthy subjects were recruited randomly (age 18 - 60). The spatiotempo- ral parameters of gait were assessed and recorded as subjects walked on a two-meter platform three times at their normal walking speed. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate demographic characteristics. The independent samples t-test was used to compare the groups for the gait parameters. Results: No significant differences were found between controls and patients in demographic variables. Significant differences were obtained between patients and healthy subjects in step length (P 0.04), step time (0.009), single support time (0.04), stride length (0.04), stride time (0.01), velocity (0.03), and cadence (0.009). Conclusions: The results of this study showed mechanical low back pain has a great influence on the spatiotemporal parameters of gait. The findings can be used in selecting better rehabilitation procedures.