Assessment of motor control deficit and its association with shoulder proprioception in athletes with non-specific low back pain.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery

2 Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.

3 Dean of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Suez Canal University

Abstract

Background:    Athletes with low back pain (LBP) often face long-term functional 
limitations. Knowledge about the Discrepancy in motor control and proprioception 
between athletes with and without LBP is still lacking. Purpose:   To compare Movement 
Control deficit (MCD), scapular upward rotation, and shoulder proprioception in elite 
swimmers with and without LBP and assess their correlation in athletes with CNSLBP. 
Methods:   This cross-sectional observational study recruited active professional 
swimmers and was divided into two groups: Group A (N=40) with LBP lasting over 12 
weeks, and Group B (N=40) without LBP. Both groups were assessed for MCD using 
tests with a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU), scapular upward rotation and shoulder 
proprioception were assessed by bubble inclinometer. Results:   Participants who had 
CNSLBP had significantly higher motor control deficits in all tests, greater upward 
rotation of the scapula at 120 abduction, and higher joint position error (JPE)(p<.001). 
Correlation between MCD and upward rotation of scapula at 120 abductions, KLAT 
showed moderate positive significant correlations and PADT had moderate to strong 
negative significant correlations with dominant on both sides. Conclusion:  Swimmers 
with CNSLBP had poorer motor control, with significant deficits in lumbar stability tests 
and increased JPE in shoulder rotations. Scapular upward rotation was significantly higher 
at 120° shoulder abduction in the CNSLBP group. Correlations showed that weaker core 
control affected scapular mechanics and proprioception, emphasizing the role of targeted 
exercises in improving stability. 

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Benha International Journal of Physical Therapy
Volume 3, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 169-179

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