Postural stability disorders in rural patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Introduction. Hard work in farming may lead to lumbar spinal stenosis, and consequently, to pain. The pain and neurological disorders may lead to disability and postural disorders. Objective. The aim of the presented study was to analyse postural stability and its correlation with functional disability of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis living in rural areas. Materials and methods. The study population consisted of 30 rural patients with lumbar spinal stenosis; mean age: 51.40 (±12.92); mean BMI: 28.60 (±3.77). The control group consisted of 30 rural inhabitants without spinal disorders. Postural stability was tested on the Biodex Balance System. The patients were also evaluated according to the ODI, the Rolland- Morris disability questionnaire, and VAS. Results. The mean results of the patients studied were as follows: 49.37 (±17.39) according to ODI, 15 (±6.19) according to the Rolland-Morris disability scale, and pain intensity of 7 (±1.93) according to the VAS. The following statistically significant differences were found: the mean balance index result was 1.8 (±1.88) and 0.64 (±0.41) in the control group. The mean centre of mass deviation in the A/P plane was 1.39 (±1.88) and 0.46 (±0.41) in the control group. The mean centre of mass deviation in the M/L plane was 0.8 (±0.51) and 0.32 (±0.22) in the control group. The balance in the studied population correlated significantly with the Rolland-Morris disability questionnaire and the VAS. Conclusions: 1) Serious disability was found in rural patients with spinal stenosis. There was a statistically significant correlation between the disability and postural stability disorders. 2) Most of the patients (84%) were overweight. 3) Postural stability disorders were statistically significant for both the stability index and the A/P plane deviation.