The effect of postural deformities on back function and pain in patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND: Postural deformities, such as Pisa syndrome (PS), and camptocormia and antecollis (CA) are common in patient with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). These deformities can lead to back disability and pain with different mechanisms, including abnormal loading or stress on soft tissues as muscles, lumbar discs and ligaments. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of different postural deformities including PS and CA on back function and pain in PwPD. METHODS: The function, disability and pain were assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) and brief pain inventory (BPI). All participants completed clinical assessments by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Modified Hoenh Yahr (mHY) staging and the Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD). RESULTS: PS and CA groups significantly showed worse disability ODI and pain BPI, and higher LEDD and mHY stage compared with PD groups. However, no differences were found in PD duration and UPDRS in the same groups. Moreover, no differences were observed between PS and CA groups in the mentioned scales. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that PS and CA are associated with severe impairment of back functions and pain. Rehabilitation programs for PwPD and PS, and CA should include spine alignment and postural training.