Effect of Cognitive Load on Anticipatory Postural Adjustment Latency and its Relationship with Pain-Related Dysfunction in Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive load on anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) latency in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) and its relationship with pain-related functional changes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2022 to January 25, 2023. Participants were divided into a healthy control group (n = 29) and an NCLBP group (n = 29). Each group was assigned a single task of rapid arm raising and a dual task of rapid arm raising combined with a cognitive load. The cognitive load task was conducted using visual conflict. The APA latency for bilateral trunk muscles was observed using electromyography. The duration of electromyography recording in each task cycle was 28 s. Pain related-functional changes were evaluated using Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) before all tasks. RESULTS: The APA latency for the right multifidus was significantly delayed in the NCLBP group [25.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.41–37.35] than in the healthy control group (− 5.80, 95% CI − 19.28 to 7.68) during dual task (p = 0.0416). The APA latency for the right multifidus (25.38, 95% CI 13.41–37.35) and transverse abdominis/internal oblique (29.15, 95% CI 18.81–39.50) were significantly delayed compared with on the left side in the NCLBP group during dual task (− 3.03, 95% CI − 15.18–9.13, p = 0.0220; 3.69, 95% CI − 6.81 to 14.18, p = 0.0363). The latency delay of the right and left multifidus APA in the NCLBP group under the dual-task was positively correlated with RMDQ scores (r = 0.5560, p = 0.0017; r = 0.4010, p = 0.0311). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive load could induce APA delay in the right trunk muscles and co-activation pattern changes in bilateral trunk muscle APA in patients with NCLBP. The APA onset delay in multifidus is positively related to pain-related daily dysfunction. Trial Registration ChiCTR2300068580 (retrospectively registered in February 23, 2023).