Project R-12850

Hyperventilation in recurrent non-specific low back pain: a bottom-up and top-down perspective (Research)

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Impaired postural control is a key factor in the development and maintenance of LBP. Moreover, the prevalence of LBP is associated with impairments in diaphragm function, symptoms of dyspnea, and dysfunctional breathing. However, the association between LBP (and more specifically postural control) and hyperventilation remains unknown. The main objective of this project is to investigate whether the presence of recurrent non-specific LBP is related to the presence of hyperventilation, when classified either objectively by decreased CO2 values (demonstrating hypocapnia) or by symptoms while showing normal CO2 values. Moreover, we will explore whether psychosocial factors play a role in this relation. Subsequently, we will investigate whether hyperventilation in LBP patients is related to impaired postural control. Finally, we will investigate whether impaired postural control and hyperventilation in LBP patients can be improved by a targeted breath-controlling intervention.

01 April 2022 - 31 March 2026