Low back pain is the most significant cause of disability worldwide. In Finland, over a half of the expenses from musculoskeletal conditions are caused by low back pain. There is not enough research evidence for risk factors and causes of low back pain. The purpose of the thesis was to increase awareness of the effect of lower extremity position on low back. The thesis was commissioned by the physiotherapist Jarmo Ahonen.

In the kinetic chain all joints have an effect on each other. All factors of kinetic chain (e.g. muscle imbalance, malalignments, strains) have a connection with body control and maintaining the upright posture. When lower extremity function is normal the reaction forces transmitting from the ground through the feet are symmetrical. Low back position is dependent on lower extremity control and all the movement that takes place on our feet requires control of the hip joints and pelvis. Even a small deviation from normal may change the lower extremity alignment and this may be seen as changes in pelvis and spine position.

The goal of the functional thesis was to produce a patient guide that will in an understandable way explain the most common malalignments of the lower extremity that have an effect on the lumbar curve. Based on theoretical knowledge, in cooperation with the commissioner lower extremity malalignments that are easy to understand in the form of a guide where chosen. The understandability of the guide was tested both with physiotherapists and with persons with no previous knowledge about the subject.

Based on the feedback received the guide provided the readers with new information. Readers of the guide learn how to pay attention to lower extremity positions affecting the lower back. This may in the long term reduce and prevent low back pain.