Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Michael E. Cinelli

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Second Advisor

Dr. Diane Gregory

Advisor Role

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Background: Actions emerge from the interaction between a person and their environment. Low back pain (LBP) is a change within a person that can alter subsequent actions. While chronic LBP is known to affect motor behaviours, the influence of acute LBP (aLBP) is less clear. This study aimed to determine if aLBP induced by prolonged standing (PS) would affect behaviours during aperture crossing.

Research question: Do people with aLBP have altered gait and trunk kinematics, and are they less likely to choose routes that require body rotation?

Methods: Participants (n=24, 21±2.27) completed 30 walking trials before and after two hours of PS. Participants chose either a path through a large (1.8*shoulder width, SW) or small (1*SW) aperture while walking towards a goal placed 10m from the start in one of five locations. Perceived LBP was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS) every 30 minutes during PS and every 10 trials post-PS. A VAS increase greater than 10mm from baseline defined aLBP developers. Kinematic data during the walking trails was collected at 100Hz using an Optotrak system. ANOVAs assessed pain ratings, gait kinematics, and route choices, mixed models examined trunk kinematics, and a logistic regression identified predictors of path selection.

Results: 54% of participants developed aLBP. Individuals with aLBP rotated their shoulders and lower back significantly less than non-pain developers through the small aperture. There were no group or time differences in gait parameters. Goal-position, pre-standing route selection, and pain score were all significant predictors of route selection post-standing.

Significance: Results revealed that those with aLBP prefer routes that avoid body reconfiguration. Route selection was significantly influenced by goal location, experience, and pain level. In summary, an immediate change to a person (i.e., aLBP) can cause different action outputs.

Convocation Year

2024

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Wednesday, August 18, 2027

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