Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3396
Abstract
Background and Aims Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has emerged as a novel intervention in the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP), yet evidence regarding its biomechanical impact on gait symmetry remains limited. This study aimed to assess three-dimensional gait mechanics and symmetry following PRP injection and one-year post-discectomy in a male patient with CLBP. Methods A single-subject case study was conducted on a 38-year-old male (height: 182 cm, weight: 99 kg, BMI: 29.9 kg/m2) with a history of L5–S1 discectomy. Three-dimensional motion analysis (Motion Analysis Kestrel, Cortex software, version 8.0) and force plates (Kistler 9286 BA) were used to evaluate the lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRF) during gait, seven days after PRP injection. Spatiotemporal variables, joint range of motion (ROM) in all planes, and symmetry indices were examined. Results The greatest asymmetry was observed in the knee joint ROM in the frontal plane (swing: 69.78%, stance: 66.77%) and in the transverse plane of the knee (swing: 40.89%) and ankle (stance: 40.25%). Maximal symmetry was noted in the hip (transverse plane, swing: 4.31%). The GRF symmetry index indicated pronounced asymmetry in the mediolateral direction (SI: 112.09%), while vertical and anterior-posterior forces demonstrated acceptable symmetry. Conclusion Although PRP injection resulted in partial restoration of biomechanical symmetry in some lower limb variables, significant asymmetry persisted in the frontal and transverse planes, especially in the knee joint and mediolateral GRF direction. These findings highlight the complexity of functional recovery post-intervention and suggest the need for multimodal rehabilitation.
Rahnama, A., & Yousefian Molla, R. (2026). Gait Symmetry in Low Back Pain After PRP Injection Post-discectomy: A Case Study. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 14(6), 1008-1021. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3396
MLA
Afsaneh Rahnama; Razieh Yousefian Molla. "Gait Symmetry in Low Back Pain After PRP Injection Post-discectomy: A Case Study". The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 14, 6, 2026, 1008-1021. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3396
HARVARD
Rahnama, A., Yousefian Molla, R. (2026). 'Gait Symmetry in Low Back Pain After PRP Injection Post-discectomy: A Case Study', The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 14(6), pp. 1008-1021. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3396
VANCOUVER
Rahnama, A., Yousefian Molla, R. Gait Symmetry in Low Back Pain After PRP Injection Post-discectomy: A Case Study. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2026; 14(6): 1008-1021. doi: 10.22037/SJRM.14.6.3396
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