Relationship of Lumbar Postural Asymmetry, Functional Disability, and Pain in the Elderly Lumbar Radiculopathy

Abstract

Introduction: Lumbar radiculopathy is a common cause of low back pain in older adults and may affect postural alignment and functional capacity. Persistent pain can lead to biomechanical changes such as postural asymmetry, which may increase functional disability and pain intensity. Objective: To determine the relationship between lumbar postural asymmetry, functional disability, and pain intensity in older adults with lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design involving older adults with lumbar radiculopathy at Hermina Pasteur Hospital. Postural asymmetry was measured using a flexible curve ruler, functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using Spearman Rank Correlation. Results and Discussion: The results showed a weak positive correlation between lumbar postural asymmetry and functional disability in older adults with lumbar radiculopathy, although the relationship was not statistically significant (r = 0.256; p = 0.073). In addition, a weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between lumbar postural asymmetry and pain intensity (r = 0.285; p = 0.045). These findings highlight the importance of postural evaluation in physiotherapy assessment for determining appropriate interventions. Conclusion: there is a relationship between lumbar postural asymmetry and functional disability and pain intensity in older adults with lumbar radiculopathy, although the strength of the relationship is weak. Postural evaluation is important in physiotherapy assessment to determine appropriate interventions