Effects of recreational cycling on low back pain among college students of the University of Baguio

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of recreational cycling on low back pain among college students of the University of Baguio. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive-quantitative survey design through online questionnaires among a total of 130 cyclist participants. Frequency count and percentage distribution were used to profile the respondents and the variables of the study. The chi-square test for independence was used to determine the correlation between the different factors and low back pain. Results: The majority of cyclist respondents are females (58.5%), with no history of LBP (76.2%), perform recreational cycling twice a week or less (86.2%) wherein each session lasts less than 2 hours (66.9%) and they have been doing recreational cycling for less than one year (64.6%). Furthermore, the cyclist respondents usually cycle on flat terrains (48.5%) using upper handlebar types. The chi-square test for independence revealed that there is no significant relationship between presence of LBP and sex, frequency of cycling, duration of a single cycling session, history of LBP, and handlebar type, p > .05. Discussion: The study revealed that recreational cycling will have no significant effect on LBP, regardless of variables. LBP, sex, frequency of cycling, duration of a single cycling session, history of LBP, and handlebar type will neither make LBP worse nor better. The study’s findings suggest that recreational cycling can be considered a safe recreational activity.