The effect of cognitive functional therapy on the plantar pressure distribution symmetry in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) on plantar pressure distribution symmetry in chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) patients.

Method: forty females with NSCLBP (age range 30-50 years) were recruited for clinical trials. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (Each group had 20 patients). The patients in the experimental group received CFT for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was psychological variables inclusive of pain, kinesiophobia and disability. The secondary outcome was plantar pressure distribution symmetry which assessment in standing condition. The Covariance statistical method was used for data analysis.

Results: The results of covariance analysis for primary outcome showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) with a reduction of 52 % in pain (p = 0.001), 12 % in kinesiophobia (p = 0.001) and 41% in disability (p = 0.001). Also, the results of covariance analysis for secondary outcome showed a significant difference in plantar pressure distribution symmetry of inter-limbs foot (p = 0.007), forward and backward in the right foot (p = 0.002) and forward and backward in the left foot (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: CFT reduces of pain, kinesiophobia and disability. In addition significant difference in the plantar pressure distribution symmetry was observed, which it is argued the plantar pressure asymmetric can be influenced by psychological factors.