A mathematical modelling approach for analysing the risk of low back pain in college students using student desks

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is frequently experienced by the occupational population who are necessitated to use chairs daily. At least one study has shown that disc degeneration can start as early as the teenage years. Moreover, college students spend excessive amounts of time sitting on non-ergonomic desks. The aim of our study was to determine if college students are entering the work force predisposed to LBP. An anonymous survey was conducted on 280 students and modelling was conducted using three approaches: machine learning, dynamical systems, and regression analysis. Supervised machine learning methods showed back pain can be predicted with high accuracy from the questionnaire. Mathematical predictive modelling was employed to determine the risk of chronic back pain as a result of using the student desks. Results from the models indicated college students are experiencing significantly more back pain than has been reported in studies on the general population.