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To evaluate the association between self-selected walking speed (S free), oxygen consumption at S free (V o 2free), the oxygen cost of walking (Cw) at S free , and mobility independence and independence for activities of daily living in individuals poststroke. Cross-sectional study. Hospital. Individuals with stroke who were able to walk without human assistance were included. We included 90 individuals (N=90; mean age, 63.5±14.0y). Not applicable. Cw was captured during walking from measurements of S free and V o 2free. We assessed mobility independence based on the modified Functional Ambulation Classification (mFAC) and independence in activities of daily living by the Barthel Index (BI). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independence of Cw, V o 2free , and S free from the determination of BI and mFAC among the various characteristics of the population (age, stroke delay, body mass index, motor function, spasticity). We reported Cw=0.36 mL/kg/m (interquartile range [IQR]=0.28 mL/kg/m), S free =0.60±0.32 m/s, V o 2free =11.2 mL/kg/min (IQR=1.8 mL/kg/min). The multiple linear regression analyses showed that Cw and S free were independently associated with the BI (P <.01) and the mFAC (P <.01) scores. V o 2free was not found to be an explanatory variable of functional independence (P >.05). Cw was independently associated with functional independence. This association appears to be primarily determined by S free and not V o 2free , underscoring the importance of evaluating and acting on S free to improve the functional independence of individuals with stroke. • The oxygen cost of walking was reported as an independent factor for functional independence. • This association appears to be primarily determined by walking speed and not oxygen consumption. • These results emphasize the importance of evaluating and acting on self-selected walking speed to improve the functional independence of individuals with stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Borg Scale for the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is recommended to measure the intensity of physical exercise during stroke rehabilitation, but its reliability in activities of daily living is not explored. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the RPE using the Borg Scale (6-20) and the intensity of effort as measured by the Total Energy Expenditure per minute (TEE.min−1) in a post-stroke population for two tasks: walking at spontaneous comfortable speed and walking up and down stairs. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted. Any post-stroke subjects able to walk without being helped were recruited. Subjects were asked to walk at their spontaneous comfortable walking speed for 6 min and then to walk up and down stairs with a portable gas analyzer to measure the TEE.min−1. The RPE was evaluated by the Borg scale (6-20). The correlation between the RPE and the TEE.min−1 for each subject’s walking task and stairs task was calculated with the Pearson coefficient. Results: Twenty subjects were included. TEE.min−1 averaged at 5.6 (±1.2 kcal.min−1) for the walking task and 9.58 (±4.3 kcal.min−1) for the stairs task. The median RPE was 11 (min 6; max 15) for the walking task and 11 (min 6; max 16) for the stairs task. The correlation coefficient between the RPE and TEE.min−1 was r = 0.12 (p = 0.25). Conclusion: Our work has not determined a correlation between the RPE and TEE.min−1 for two common activities of daily living in post-stroke subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated telemedicine (TM) to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, TM experienced a massive upswing. However, in rheumatology care, the use of TM stagnated again shortly thereafter. Consequently, the factors associated with physicians' willingness to use TM (TM willingness) and actual use of TM (TM use) need to be thoroughly investigated. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors that determine TM use and TM willingness among German general practitioners and rheumatologists. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey with general practitioners and rheumatologists. Bayesian univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with TM use and TM willingness. The predictor variables (covariates) that were studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age and sex), work characteristics (eg, practice location and medical specialty), and self-assessed knowledge of TM. All the variables positively and negatively associated with TM use and TM willingness in the univariate analysis were then considered for Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤2.5). All analyses were stratified by sex. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that out of 83 variables, 36 (43%) and 34 (41%) variables were positively or negatively associated (region of practical equivalence≤5%) with TM use and TM willingness, respectively. The Bayesian model averaging analysis allowed us to identify 13 and 17 factors of TM use and TM willingness, respectively. Among these factors, being female, having very poor knowledge of TM, treating <500 patients per quarter, and not being willing to use TM were negatively associated with TM use, whereas having good knowledge of TM and treating >1000 patients per quarter were positively associated with TM use. In addition, being aged 51 to 60 years, thinking that TM is not important for current and future work, and not currently using TM were negatively associated with TM willingness, whereas owning a smart device and working in an urban area were positively associated with TM willingness. Conclusions: The results point to the close connection between health care professionals' knowledge of TM and actual TM use. These results lend support to the integration of digital competencies into medical education as well as hands-on training for health care professionals. Incentive programs for physicians aged >50 years and practicing in rural areas could further encourage TM willingness. J Med Internet Res 2022;24(11):e40304 doi:10.2196/40304 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance is reduced following stroke. Gait training improves gait-related activities in hemiparetic patients. However, no study has compared the impact of a single overground training session with a treadmill training session on gait-related activities (assessed by TUG). Objective: To compare the immediate effect of a single overground training session versus a single treadmill training session on TUG performance in hemiparetic patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 56 hemiparetic patients were randomized to 1 or 2 distinct groups: a single gait training session overground (O group) or on a treadmill (T group). Time taken to perform the TUG (in seconds) was assessed before and immediately after the completion of each session. Results: Time taken to perform the TUG decreased significantly, and to a similar extent, in both groups following the training session (O group, 5.9%; T group, 5.2%). Conclusions: An overground training session and a treadmill training session were equally effective in improving TUG performance in hemiparetic patients. Hemiparetic patients should be encouraged to walk regularly overground including turns for 20 minutes without stopping. This is an easy and inexpensive self-rehabilitation method to improve functional gait-related activities involved in the TUG test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gait training for patients with hemiparesis is carried out independently overground or on a treadmill. Several studies have shown differences in hemiparetic gait parameters during overground versus treadmill walking. However, few studies have compared the effects of these 2 gait training conditions on gait parameters, and no study has compared the short-term effects of these techniques on all biomechanical gait parameters. Objective: To determine whether a gait training session performed overground or on a treadmill induces specific short-term effects on biomechanical gait parameters in patients with hemiparesis. Methods: Twenty-six subjects with hemiparesis were randomly assigned to a single session of either overground or treadmill gait training. The short-term effects on spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters were assessed using gait analysis before and immediately after the training and after a 20-minute rest. Results: Speed, cadence, percentage of single support phase, peak knee extension, peak propulsion, and braking on the paretic side were significantly increased after the gait training session. However, there were no specific changes dependent on the type of gait training performed (overground or on a treadmill). Conclusion: A gait training session performed by subjects with hemiparesis overground or on a treadmill did not induce specific short-term effects on biomechanical gait parameters. The increase in gait velocity that followed a gait training session seemed to reflect specific modifications of the paretic lower limb and adaptation of the nonparetic lower limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study had two purposes: to compare head repositioning accuracy (HRA) using the cervical range of motion (CROM) device between individuals with cervical radiculopathy caused by disc disease (CDD; n = 71) and neck- healthy individuals (n = 173); and to evaluate the test–retest reliability of the CROM device in individuals with CDD, and criterion validity between the CROM device and a laser in neck-healthy individuals, with quantification of measurement errors. Parameters of reliability and validity were expressed with intra- class- correlation coefficients (ICCs), and measurement errors with standard error of measurement (SEM) and Bland Altman limits of agreement. HRA (Mdn, IQR) differed significantly between individuals with CDD and neck- healthy individuals after rotation right 2.7° (6.0), 1.7° (2.7); and rotation left 2.7° (3.3), 1.3° (2.7) (p < = 0.021); 31% of individuals with CDD were classified as having impairment in HRA. The test–retest reliability of the CROM device in individuals with CDD showed ICCs of 0.79- 0.85, and SEMs of 1.4°- 2°. The criterion validity between the CROM device and the laser in neck-healthy individuals showed ICCs of 0.43- 0.91 and SEMs of 0.8°- 1.3°. The results support the use of the CROM device for quantifying HRA impairment in individuals with CDD in clinical practice; however, criterion validity between the CROM device and a laser in neck-healthy individuals was questionable. HRA impairment in individuals with CDD may be important to consider during rehabilitation and evaluated with the criterion established with the CROM device in neck-healthy individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper introduces the recently developed TexiCare device that aims at preventing pressure ulcers for people with spinal cord injury. This embedded device is aimed to be mounted on the user wheelchair. Its sensor is 100% textile and allows the measurement of pressures at the interface between the cushion and the buttocks. It is comfortable, washable and low cost. It is connected to a cigarette-box sized unit that (i) measures the pressures in real time, (ii) estimates the risk for internal over-strains, and (iii) alerts the wheelchair user whenever necessary. The alert method has been defined as a result of a utility/usability/acceptability study conducted with representative end users. It is based on a tactile-visual feedback (via a watch or a smartphone for example): the tactile modality is used to discreetly alarm the person while the visual modality conveys an informative message. In order to evaluate the usability of the TexiCare device, a paraplegic volunteer equipped his wheelchair at home during a six months period. Interestingly, the first results revealed bad habits such as an inadequate posture when watching TV, rare relief maneuvers, and the occurrence of abnormal high pressures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To determine whether cervical joint position sense is modified by intensive rugby practice. Design: A group-comparison study. Setting: University Medical Bioengineering Laboratory. Participants: Twenty young elite rugby players (10 forwards and 10 backs) and 10 young non-rugby elite sports players. Interventions: Participants were asked to perform the cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT) to the neutral head position (NHP) that is, to reposition their head on their trunk, as accurately as possible, after full active left and right cervical rotation. Rugby players were asked to perform the CRT to NHP before and after a training session. Main Outcome Measurements: Absolute and variable errors were used to assess accuracy and consistency of the repositioning for the three groups of Forwards, Backs and Non-rugby players, respectively. Results: The 2 groups of Forwards and Backs exhibited higher absolute and variable errors than the group of Non-rugby players. No difference was found between the two groups of Forwards and Backs and no difference was found between Before and After the training session. Conclusions: The cervical joint position sense of young elite rugby players is altered compared to that of non-rugby players. Furthermore, Forwards and Backs demonstrated comparable repositioning errors before and after a specific training session, suggesting that cervical proprioceptive alteration is mainly due to tackling and not the scrum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a session of plantar massage and joint mobilization of the feet and ankles on clinical balance performance in elderly people. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was used to examine the immediate effects of manual massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles. Twenty-eight subjects, aged from 65 to 95 years (78.8±8.5 years – mean±SD) were recruited from community nursing homes. Main outcome measures were the performances in three tests: One Leg Balance (OLB) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Lateral Reach (LR) test. Results demonstrated a significant improvement after massage and mobilization compared with placebo for the OLB test (1.1±1.7s versus 0.4±1.2s, p <0.01) and the TUG test (0.9±2.6s versus 0.2±1.2s, p <0.05). Conversely, performances in the LR test did not improve significantly. These results emphasise the positive impact of a single session of manual therapy applied to the feet and ankles on balance in elderly subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hlavackova P, Fristios J, Cuisinier R, Pinsault N, Janura M, Vuillerme N. Effects of mirror feedback on upright stance control in elderly transfemoral amputees. Objective: To investigate the effects of mirror feedback on upright stance control in elderly transfemoral amputees. Design: Before and after intervention trials. Setting: University medical bioengineering laboratory. Participants: Elderly transfemoral amputees (N=12). Interventions: Participants were asked to stand upright, as immobile as possible, in 2 Eyes-open and Mirror-feedback experimental conditions. The latter experimental condition consisted of supplying the participants with their frontal reflection by positioning a mirror in front of them. Main Outcome Measures: Weight-bearing symmetry and the displacements of the center of foot pressure under the nonaffected limb and the prosthetic limb. Results: Mirror feedback did not modify weight-bearing symmetry and had different effects on the center of foot pressure displacements under the nonaffected limb and prosthetic limb: a decreased center of foot pressure surface area was observed in the Mirror-feedback condition relative to the Eyes-open condition under the nonaffected limb, whereas no significant difference between the Eyes-open condition and the Mirror-feedback condition was observed under the prosthetic limb. Conclusions: Results suggest that elderly transfemoral amputees were able to integrate augmented visual biofeedback through the use of mirror-reflected body image to improve their upright stance control. The present findings could have implications for clinical practice and rehabilitation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We describe the architecture of an original biofeedback system for balance improvement for fall prevention and present results of a feasibility study. The underlying principle of this biofeedback consists of providing supplementary information related to foot sole pressure distribution through a wireless embedded tongue-placed tactile output device. Twelve young healthy adults voluntarily participated in this experiment. They were asked to stand as immobile as possible with their eyes closed in two conditions of no-biofeedback and biofeedback. Centre of foot pressure (CoP) displacements were recorded using a force platform. Results showed reduced CoP displacements in the biofeedback relative to the no-biofeedback condition. On the whole, the present findings evidence the effectiveness of this system in improving postural control on young healthy adults. Further investigations are needed to strengthen the potential clinical value of this device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and aims: Complex interactions between visual, vestibular and somatosensory information and the cerebellar system are involved in the maintenance of upright posture. Previous studies have shown that normal aging and pathologies may lead to deterioration of the control of upright standing posture. Methods: In order to investigate postural control during quiet standing in the elderly, the center of pressure (CoP) was analysed on two force platforms in three different groups. The first group Was composed of 13 healthy older adults (O), the second consisted of 9 older adults with plantar sole deficit (OD), and the third (control) group was composed of 8 young healthy subjects (Y). All subjects were tested with eyes closed, before and after tactile plantar stimulation lasting ten minutes. Center of pressure displacements were analyzed in terms of sway area, mean velocity, and mean root mean square (RMS) along both mediolateral and antero-posterior axes. Results: Results showed that, before tactile plantar stimulation, the sway area and mean RMS were greater in O and OD subjects compared with Y ones. After tactile plantar stimulation, a decrease in the mean RMS was observed in OD subjects, this effect being significant only for the medio-lateral axis. Conclusions: These results suggest that application of tactile plantar stimulation may compensate a loss of superficial plantar sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pinsault N, Vuillerme N, Pavan P. Cervicocephalic relocation test to the neutral head position: assessment in bilateral labyrinthine-defective and chronic, nontraumatic neck pain patients. Objective: To determine whether vestibular or cervical proprioceptive information influence the cervicocephalic relocation test to the neutral head position, by comparing head repositioning errors obtained in asymptomatic, unimpaired control subjects with those obtained in bilateral labyrinthine-defective patients and chronic, nontraumatic neck pain patients. Design: A group-comparison study. Setting: University medical bioengineering laboratory. Participants: Labyrinthine-defective patients (n=7; mean age ± SD, 67±15y), nontraumatic neck pain patients (n=7; 56±9y), and asymptomatic, unimpaired control subjects (n=7; 64±12y). Interventions: Participants were asked to relocate the head on the trunk, as accurately as possible, after full active cervical rotation to the left and right sides. Ten trials were performed for each rotation side. Main Outcome Measures: Absolute and variable errors were used to assess accuracy and consistency of the repositioning, respectively. Results: No significant difference in repositioning errors was observed between labyrinthine-defective patients and control subjects, whereas nontraumatic neck pain patients demonstrated significantly increased absolute errors in horizontal and global components and higher variable errors in horizontal component. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the vestibular system is not involved in the performance of the cervicocephalic relocation test to neutral head position, and further support this test as a measure of cervical proprioceptive acuity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and aims: Although the role of afferent input from cervical muscles on the control of posture and locomotion is recognised, it is surprising that there is an absence of data reporting whether joint position sense at the cervical level is impaired in older healthy adults. The present experiment was designed to address this issue. Methods: Eighteen young (mean age= 23 yrs) and 18 older healthy adults (mean age= 68 yrs) were asked to perform the cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT) to the neutral head position (NHP), that is, to relocate the head on the trunk, as accurately as possible, after active cervical rotation to the left and right sides. Ten trials were performed for each rotation. Absolute and variable errors were used to assess cervical joint repositioning accuracy and consistency, respectively. Results: Less accurate and less consistent repositioning performances were observed in older adults than in young adults, as indicated by increased absolute and variable errors, respectively. Conclusions: The present findings show that cervical joint position sense, assessed through the CRT to the NHP, is impaired in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-tracking via wearable and mobile technologies is becoming an essential part of personal health management. At this point, however, little information is available to substantiate the validity and reliability of low-cost consumer-based hip and wrist activity monitors, with regard more specifically to the measurements of step counts and distance traveled while walking. Objective: The aim of our study is to assess the validity and reliability of step and distance measurement from a low-cost consumer-based hip and wrist activity monitor specific in various walking conditions that are commonly encountered in daily life. Specifically, this study is designed to evaluate whether and to what extent validity and reliability could depend on the sensor placement on the human body and the walking task being performed. Methods: Thirty healthy participants will be instructed to wear four PBN 2433 (Nakosite) activity monitors simultaneously, with one placed on each hip and each wrist. Participants will attend two experimental sessions separated by 1 week. During each experimental session, two separate studies will be performed. In study 1, participants will be instructed to complete a 2-minute walk test along a 30-meter indoor corridor under 3 walking speeds: very slow, slow, and usual speed. In study 2, participants will be required to complete the following 3 conditions performed at usual walking speed: walking on flat ground, upstairs, and downstairs. Activity monitor measured step count and distance values will be computed along with the actual step count (determined from video recordings) and distance (measured using a measuring tape) to determine validity and reliability for each activity monitor placement and each walking condition. Results: Participant recruitment and data collection began in January 2020. As of June 2020, we enrolled 8 participants. Dissemination of study results in peer-reviewed journals is expected in spring 2021. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the validity and reliability of step and distance measurement during walking using the PBN 2433 (Nakosite) activity monitor. Results of this study will provide beneficial information on the effects of activity monitor placement, walking speed, and walking tasks on the validity and reliability of step and distance measurement. We believe such information is of utmost importance to general consumers, clinicians, and researchers. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/21262 JMIR Res Protoc 2021;10(1):e21262 doi:10.2196/21262 We help JMIR researchers to raise funds to pursue their research and development aimed at tackling important health and technology challenges. If you would like to show your support for this author, please donate using the button below. The funds raised will directly benefit the corresponding author of this article (minus 8% admin fees). Your donations will help this author to continue publishing open access papers in JMIR journals. Donations of over $100 may also be acknowledged in future publications. Suggested contribution levels: $20/$50/$100 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the social mechanisms of the circadian rhythms of activity represents a major issue in better managing the mechanisms of age-related diseases occurring over time in the elderly population. The automated analysis of call detail records (CDRs) provided by modern phone technologies can help meet such an objective. At this stage, however, whether and how the circadian rhythms of telephone call activity can be automatically and properly modeled in the elderly population remains to be established.Objective: Our goal for this study is to address whether and how the circadian rhythms of social activity observed through telephone calls could be automatically modeled in older adults.Methods: We analyzed a 12-month data set of outgoing telephone CDRs of 26 adults older than 65 years of age. We designed a statistical learning modeling approach adapted for exploratory analysis. First, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) were calculated to automatically model each participant's circadian rhythm of telephone call activity. Second, k-means clustering was used for grouping participants into distinct groups depending on the characteristics of their personal GMMs.Results: The results showed the existence of specific structures of telephone call activity in the daily social activity of older adults. At the individual level, GMMs allowed the identification of personal habits, such as morningness-eveningness for making calls. At the population level, k-means clustering allowed the structuring of these individual habits into specific morningness or eveningness clusters.Conclusions: These findings support the potential of phone technologies and statistical learning approaches to automatically provide personalized and precise information on the social rhythms of telephone call activity of older individuals. Futures studies could integrate such digital insights with other sources of data to complete assessments of the circadian rhythms of activity in elderly populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vuillerme N, Bertrand R, Pinsault N. Postural effects of the scaled display of visual foot center of pressure feedback under different somatosensory conditions at the foot and the ankle. Objectives: To assess the effects of the scaled display of visual foot center of pressure (COP) feedback on upright postural control under different somatosensory conditions at the foot and the ankle. Design: Before and after intervention trials. Setting: University medical bioengineering laboratory. Participants: Young healthy adults (N=8; mean age, 23±2.5y; mean body weight, 76.8±11.2kg; mean height, 179.8±6.8cm). Interventions: Participants were asked to stand upright, as immobile as possible, in 3 visual conditions: a stationary cross feedback (SC-FB) condition and 2 different foot COP feedback (COP-FB) conditions involving increasing scale displays of 2:1 (COP-FB2) and of 10:1 (COP-FB10). These latter conditions correspond to the ratio between the COP displacement on the screen and the actual COP displacement measured by the force platform. This postural task was executed on 2 (firm, foam) support surface conditions. In the foam condition, a 2-cm thick foam support surface was placed under the participants'' feet to alter the quality and/or quantity of somatosensory information at the foot and the ankle. Main Outcome Measure: COP displacements were recorded using a force platform. Results: In the firm support surface condition, no significant difference was observed between the COP-FB2 and the SC-FB conditions, whereas the COP-FB10 condition yielded decreased COP displacements relative to the SC-FB condition. In the foam support surface condition, both the COP-FB2 and the COP-FB10 conditions yielded decreased COP displacements relative to the SC-FB condition, with a greater stabilizing effect in the COP-FB10 than COP-FB2 condition. Conclusions: The postural effects of the scale display of visual COP feedback differed depending on the somatosensory conditions at the foot and the ankle. These findings suggest that increased reliance on augmented sensory information for controlling upright posture in conditions of altered somatosensory input from the foot and ankle could have implications in clinical and rehabilitative areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pinsault N, Vuillerme N. The effects of scale display of visual feedback on postural control during quiet standing in healthy elderly subjects. Objective: To assess the effects of scale display of visual feedback (VFB) on postural control during quiet standing in healthy elderly subjects. Design: Before and after intervention trials. Setting: Medical university bioengineering laboratory. Participants: Twelve healthy elderly subjects (mean age, 70.2±2.8y; mean body weight, 65.5±4.1kg; mean height, 163.4±6.5cm). Intervention: Participants were asked to stand upright as immobile as possible in an eyes-open condition and 3 VFB conditions involving increasing scale displays: 2 to 1 (VFB2), 5 to 1 (VFB5), and 10 to 1 (VFB10). These latter conditions correspond to the ratio between the real displacements of the center of pressure (COP), as measured by the force platform, and their visualization on the monitor screen. Main Outcome Measure: COP displacements were recorded using a force platform. Results: VFB had different effects on the COP displacements depending on the scale display; no significant difference was observed between the VFB2 and the eyes-open conditions, whereas the VFB5 and VFB10 conditions yielded decreased COP displacements relative to the eyes-open condition. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the VFB system in improving postural control during quiet standing in elderly subjects depends on the scale display. These findings could have implications in clinical and rehabilitative areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Low back pain, especially nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP), the leading cause of disability worldwide, represents both social and economic problems. Different therapeutic management techniques can be used, but their effects vary. Clinicians and researchers attribute the variation in the efficacy of therapeutic and management techniques to the heterogeneity of the nonspecific chronic low back pain population, and they agree that nonspecific chronic LBP must be subgrouped. Objective: This study aims to identify nonspecific chronic LBP subgroups based on a multifactorial approach, including biomechanical, physical, and psychosocial data. Methods: A total of 100 nonspecific chronic LBP patients and 30 healthy participants aged between 18 and 60 years will be recruited for this prospective study. A psychosocial profile will be established using questionnaires on anxiety, depression, functional disability, pain, fear of pain, avoidance belief, and physical activity. A physical capacity evaluation will be conducted. It will evaluate flexibility of the hips, lumbar spine, and lateral thoracolumbar segment, as well as trunk (extensor and flexor) muscle endurance. The subjects will perform functional daily life activities, such as walking, object lifting, forward bending, sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, balance, and usual postures. Full body kinematics, kinetics, and surface electromyography of the trunk and hip muscles will be assessed during these tasks. The clustering classification methods for the statistical analysis will be determined according to the data and will be used to identify the subgroups of nonspecific chronic LBP patients. Results: Data collection started in September 2017 and will be completed with the inclusion of all the participants (100 nonspecific chronic LBP and 30 control). The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant international conferences. Conclusions: Numerous studies have showed that the therapeutic management of nonspecific chronic LBP is difficult and has inconstant effects caused by the complexity and heterogeneity of nonspecific chronic LBP. Identifying subgroups with a multifactorial approach is more comprehensive and closer to the pathophysiology of nonspecific chronic LBP. It also represents benefit interests and a challenge both clinically and socially. The perspective of this study is expected to support clinicians for a more adapted therapeutic management for each subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]