Linking podiatry/posturology balance measurements to pain in chronic low back pain
Contribution of the Podiatrist-Posturologist in the Evaluation of the Link Between the Stabilometric Parameters and the Pain Felt in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
We will test whether balance measurements taken by a podiatrist-posturologist are related to pain, movement problems, and fear of movement in people with chronic low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 139 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Lille Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Valenciennes) |
| Trial ID | NCT05540548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will collect stabilometric (postural balance) measurements alongside pain scores, kinematic disturbance data, and kinesiophobia questionnaires in adults with chronic low back pain. Participants will be recruited at the neurology service in Valenciennes and must be able to communicate in French. No interventional treatments are given; the protocol is focused on measurement and correlation to identify postural profiles. The goal is to determine whether specific stabilometric patterns align with pain severity, movement limitations, or fear of movement to improve diagnostic subgroups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with non-radicular chronic low back pain lasting at least three months who can understand and speak French and can provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with clinical signs of nerve root compression or cauda equina syndrome, inflammatory arthropathy, prior lumbar surgery, multi-level advanced disc disease, spinal instability, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, visually impaired patients, or those who cannot communicate in French are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify postural profiles that improve diagnostic accuracy and allow more targeted treatments for subgroups of chronic low back pain patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has reported mixed but promising associations between stabilometry/posturography and balance or pain characteristics in low back pain, so this approach is supported but not yet definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suffering from low back pain, possibly associated with painful gluteal radiation in the form of mono or bilateral pygalgia (non-radicular) evolving for at least three months (chronic low back pain * Understanding and being able to express himself in French * Giving informed, dated and signed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Neurosurgical criteria: (i) presence of clinical signs of compression and/or single or multi-root pain (Lumbosciatica with or without deficit signs, intermittent claudication of the cauda equina roots with possible sphincter signs), (ii) history inflammatory arthropathy (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis), and (iii) history of lumbar spine surgery. * Radiographic criteria: (i) presence on the lumbar MRI of multi-level discopathy (more than 2 discopathy), (ii) spinal instability confirmed by CT or MRI (degenerative spondylolisthesis or by isthmic lysis). * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Visually impaired patient * Patient suffering from neurological and/or orthopedic disorders that may affect balance.
Where this trial is running
Valenciennes
- Service de neurologie CH de Valenciennes — Valenciennes, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Frédéric VISEUX — University Hospital, Lille
- Study coordinator: Frédéric VISEUX
- Email: viseux-f@ch-valenciennes.fr
- Phone: 03 27 14 04 54
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.