The assesment and comparison of all spinal segments kinematics in patients with chronic low back pain and asymptomatic individuals in three planes during activities of daily living

This study aimed to compare the range of motion (ROM) in the sagittal, transverse, and frontal planes of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine segments during functional activities such as sit-to-stand, lifting a box, stair climbing, and walking in individuals with low back pain (LBP) and asymptomatic individuals. Additionally, the study investigated whether lumbar region movements are influenced by cervical and thoracic region movements. The study included 23 individuals with LBP (34,43 ± 7,01 years) and 23 asymptomatic individuals (32,83 ± 9,3 years). Demographic data of the participants were recorded. Kinematic analysis of functional activities was conducted using MVN Awinda (XSens Technologies B.V., Enschede, Netherlands) IMU sensors. Angular data from the atlanto-occipital, C7-T1, T8-T9, T12-L1, L3-L4, and L5-S1 segments were recorded in three dimensional. Each measurement was repeated three times for each participant. The results showed that during stair climbing, individuals with LBP had reduced cervical region ROM in the sagittal plane compared to asymptomatic individuals (p<0,05). However, ROM in all spinal segments during other activities was found to be similar between the two groups (p>0,05). When minimum and maximum angles were analyzed, individuals with LBP demonstrated distinct movement patterns during sit-to-stand, box lifting, and walking activities compared to asymptomatic individuals (p<0,05). In addition, it was observed that the lumbar region movements of individuals with LBP were associated with movements of the cervical region, unlike those observed in asymptomatic individuals (p<0,05). In conclusion, it can be suggested that individuals with LBP develop protective (compensatory) movement patterns during daily life activities. This indicates that LBP is not merely a localized issue but may represent a broader condition causing disruptions and adaptations in the movement chain. The findings of our study highlight the need to focus on functional movement patterns rather than solely measuring ROM in individuals with LBP.