Identifying the Problem Side with Single-Leg Squat and Hamstrings Flexibility for Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Background and Objectives: In patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP), their pain and problem sides can differ. Clinical Pilates assessment provides an approach to identify the problem side, but this approach requires experience and can be subjective. This study aimed to investigate if objective measures of single-leg squat postural control and hamstrings flexibility could identify the problem side in adults with non-specific chronic LBP. Materials and Methods: Forty adults with non-specific chronic LBP were tested on single-leg squat postural control and hamstrings flexibility. The problem side of participants was assessed with the Clinical Pilates method. Paired t-tests were used to compare the postural sway parameters of the single-leg squat and hamstrings flexibility between the problem and non-problem sides. Cohen’s kappa was then used to assess the agreement of postural sway and flexibility measures with the Clinical Pilates method. Results: The problem side showed smaller vertical force variance, larger sway path distances, lower peak vertical force, smaller terminal knee flexion angle, longer time to complete the five single-leg squats, and tighter hamstrings as compared to the non-problem side. However, only the overall and anteroposterior sway path distances, terminal knee flexion angle, total squat duration, and hamstrings flexibility yielded moderate to strong agreement with the Clinical Pilates method. Conclusions: Single-leg squat postural sway parameters and hamstrings flexibility can objectively identify the problem side in adults with non-specific chronic LBP.