Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of unstable sandals on (1) low back pain (LBP) in golfers with undiagnosed moderate LBP, (2) static and dynamic balance, and (3) golf performance.
Design: This was a 6-week prospective study where subjects were randomized to a control group and an intervention group.
Setting: Baseline measurements were recorded in the Human Performance Laboratory.
Participants: Forty male golfers with nonspecific moderate LBP.
Intervention: The intervention group wore unstable shoes for 6 weeks, and the control group wore their regular golf shoes.
Main outcome measures: Low back pain, timed balance, and golf performance were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks. Changes were compared through independent samples t tests.
Results: (1) There was a significant difference between groups in the change of perceived LBP scores in the laboratory (test group: -17.5/100 mm, control: -3.6/100 mm) and in the comparison of the first week entries to the last week entries recorded in logbooks (test group: -10.7/100 mm, control group: +2.6/100 mm). (2) There was no significant change in the static or dynamic balance times. (3) There was no significant change in golf performance between the intervention and control groups.
Conclusion: The results indicate that unstable sandals can be used to reduce moderate lower back pain in this population of golfers without negatively affecting performance.