Effects of Different Forms of Sensorimotor Training on Postural Control and Functional Status in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

The aim of this study was to compare three sensorimotor training forms in patients with chronic low back pain to determine their effects on the reduction of pain-related impairment and changes in posturography. Over two weeks, during the multimodal pain therapy (MMPT) period, six sessions of sensorimotor physiotherapy or training in the Galileo(®) or Posturomed(®) (n = 25 per group) were performed. A significant reduction in pain-related impairment after the intervention phase was shown across all groups (time effect: p < 0.001; η(p)(2) = 0.415). There was no change in postural stability (time effect: p = 0.666; η(p)(2) = 0.003), but there was a significant improvement in the peripheral vestibular system (time effect: p = 0.014; η(p)(2) = 0.081). An interaction effect was calculated for the forefoot-hindfoot ratio (p = 0.014; η(p)(2) = 0.111). Only the Posturomed(®) group showed an improvement in anterior-posterior weight distribution (heel load: 47% vs. 49%). These findings suggest that these forms of sensorimotor training in the context of MMPT are suitable for reducing pain-related impairment. Posturography demonstrated stimulation of a subsystem, but no improvement in postural stability.