Gender-Based Differences in Postural Stability in Young Adults with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Back pain that cannot be linked to a particular underlying medical issue, such as a fracture, infection, or herni-ated disc, is referred to as non-specific low back pain. It is the most prevalent type of low back pain and is frequently brought on by postural abnormalities, muscular imbalances, poor ergo-nomics, or prior injuries. Aim of Study: This study aims to investigate and identify gender-based differences in postural stability; pain intensity and functional disability in young adults with non-specific Low back pain and compare it to healthy controls. Patients and Methods: Sixty people participated in this cross-sectional study, which was carried out at the Biomechan-ics laboratory in the Faculty of Physical Therapy of Batterjee Medical College. The patients were divided into two groups, with 30 in Group A and 30 in Group B. The first group (A) consisted of control healthy volunteers, and the second group (B) featured patients with nonspecific low back pain. Postural Stability was assessed by the test of Sensory Integration (m-CTSIB), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Limits of Stability (LOS) Test. Functional disability was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index Arabic version. Pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analouge Scale. Results: There was a significant difference between groups in the limits of stability for both total (p=0.025) and female scores (p=0.024) with no significant differences between males (p=0.461). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in the LOS time between groups in the total score (p=0.048) with no significant differences between males (p=0.115) and female scores (p=0.241). Conclusion: Postural stability deficiencies are more com-mon in women with NSLBP, most likely as a result of hormonal impacts that impact joint stability and muscle function, poorer core musculature, and changed pelvic anatomy. However, al-though they are still impacted by NSLBP, especially regarding muscle tension and neuromuscular control, men may show less severe balance deficiencies.