Lumbo-Pelvic and Lower Limb Joint Kinematics in Subjects with and Without Low Back Pain: A Protocol for Systematic Review

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. While its main cause is mostly unknown, more than 80% of people experience this disorder during their lifetime .Some clinical evidence suggests that people with chronic LBP have various lower extremity movement disorders. This study aims to systematically review the literature on comparing the kinematics of the lumbopelvic region and lower limb joints in people with non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) compared to healthy individuals. Methods/design: We will search main electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Pedro, ProQuest and Google Scholar) and two key journals (Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, Clinical Biomechanics). Also, the reference list of the previous systematic reviews would be hand-searched. Studies that have examined the kinematic differences in lumbopelvic or lower limbs between NS-LBP and healthy individuals will be included. We will examine the methodological quality and statistical reporting of each eligible trial using the Newcastle – Ottawa Scale (NOS). Discussion To our knowledge, this study will be the first systematic review to examine the kinematic differences of the lower limb joints and pelvic complex between healthy people and NS-LBP. Since the kinematic assessment of the lower extremities and pelvic joints during daily activities may help understand underlying factors causing LBP, it is important to evaluate the kinematic changes in these regions, during repetitive daily functions in these patients. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021230826)