Low Back Pain Factors Research Articles

Magnitude and Contributing Factors of Low Back Pain among Long Distance Truck Drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Low back pain (LBP) is well known as the most common musculoskeletal disorder with the lifetime prevalence of eighty percent. Worldwide, 37% of low back pain was attributable to occupational risk factors. Truck driving is one among the jobs causing occupational LBP. Even though these drivers in Ethiopia run the high risk of occupational injuries and illnesses like drivers elsewhere, the evidence that shows the magnitude and factors that contribute to LBP is a significant shortcoming. Objective To assess the magnitude and contributing factors of low back pain among long-distance truck drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected 422 long-distance truck drivers at Modjo Dry Port, Ethiopia, from February to March 2018. Data were collected through face-to-face individual interview using a structured questionnaire adapted from the standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. The data were entered using EPI-DATA version 4.2.0.0 and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software for windows. Binary logistic regression was computed to determine the association using crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals. Independent variables with a P value less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were considered as significant. Results Of 400 truck drivers interviewed, the prevalence of LBP was found to be 65%. The study also found smoking cigarette (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.25–4.01), and P=0.007), physical inactivity (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI (1.28–3.51), and P=0.003), chronic diseases other than LBP (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI (1.32–3.61), and P=0.002), frequent lifting or carrying heavy objects (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI (1.75–5.22), and P ≤ 0.001), perceived improper sitting posture while driving (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI (1.35–3.60), and P=0.002), and perceived job stress (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI (1.20–3.57), and P=0.009) were contributing factors of low back pain. Conclusion This finding shows the public health importance of low back pain among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia. Individual factors largely accounted for the development of low back pain; hence, orientation on these modifiable risk factors and regular follow-up on safety procedures should be considered to mitigate the problem.

Changes in Trunk and Pelvis Motion Among Persons With Unilateral Lower Limb Loss During the First Year of Ambulation

ObjectiveTo retrospectively investigate trunk-pelvis kinematic outcomes among persons with unilateral transtibial and transfemoral limb loss with time from initial independent ambulation with a prosthesis, while secondarily describing self-reported presence and intensity of low back pain. Over time, increasing trunk-pelvis range of motion and decreasing trunk-pelvis coordination with increasing presence and/or intensity of low back pain were hypothesized. Additionally, less trunk-pelvis range of motion and more trunk-pelvis coordination for persons with more distal limb loss was hypothesized. DesignInception cohort with up to 5 repeated evaluations, including both biomechanical and subjective outcomes, during a 1-year period (0, 2, 4, 6, 12 months) after initial ambulation with a prosthesis. SettingBiomechanics laboratory within military treatment facility. ParticipantsTwenty-two men with unilateral transtibial limb loss and 10 men with unilateral transfemoral limb loss (N=32). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresTriplanar trunk-pelvis range of motion and intersegmental coordination (continuous relative phase) obtained at self-selected (∼1.30m/s) and controlled (∼1.20m/s) walking velocities. Self-reported presence and intensity of low back pain. ResultsAn interaction effect between time and group existed for sagittal (P=.039) and transverse (P=.009) continuous relative phase at self-selected walking velocity and transverse trunk range of motion (P=.013) and sagittal continuous relative phase (P=.005) at controlled walking velocity. Trunk range of motion generally decreased, and trunk-pelvis coordination generally increased with increasing time after initial ambulation. Sagittal trunk and pelvis range of motion were always less and frontal trunk-pelvis coordination was always greater for persons with more distal limb loss. Low back pain increased for persons with transtibial limb loss and decreased for persons with transfemoral limb loss following the 4-month time point. ConclusionsTemporal changes (or lack thereof) in features of trunk-pelvis motions within the first year of ambulation help elucidate relationships between (biomechanical) risk factors for low back pain after limb loss.

Risk and Prognostic Factors of Low Back Pain: Repeated Population-based Cohort Study in Sweden.

Prospective longitudinal cohort study. To determine the associations for workload and health-related factors with incident and recurrent low back pain (LBP), and to determine the mediating role of health-related factors in associations between physical workload factors and incident LBP. It is not known whether the risk factors for the development of LBP are also prognostic factors for recurrence of LBP and whether the associations between physical workload and incident LBP are mediated by health-related factors. We used data from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health study. Those responding to any two subsequent surveys in 2010 to 2016 were included for the main analyses (N = 17,962). Information on occupational lifting, working in twisted positions, weight/height, smoking, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems were self-reported. Incident LBP was defined as pain limiting daily activities in the preceding three months in participants free from LBP at baseline. Recurrent LBP was defined as having LBP both at baseline and follow-up. For the mediation analyses, those responding to three subsequent surveys were included (N = 3516). Main associations were determined using generalized estimating equation models for repeated measures data. Mediation was examined with counterfactual mediation analysis. All risk factors at baseline but smoking and physical activity were associated with incident LBP after adjustment for confounders. The strongest associations were observed for working in twisted positions (risk ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.37, 1.70) and occupational lifting (risk ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.32, 1.74). These associations were not mediated by health-related factors. The studied factors did not have meaningful effects on recurrent LBP. The findings suggest that workload and health-related factors have stronger effects on the development than on the recurrence or progression of LBP, and that health-related factors do not mediate associations between workload factors and incident LBP. 3.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Back Pain Among Physicians Working at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND:Low back pain is a common presenting symptom among workers in primary health care facilities, including physicians.AIM:This study aimed to identify the magnitude, determinants and sequence of the problem of low back pain among physicians working at the King Salman Armed Forces hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was carried out among physicians who are working at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. A previously validated self-administered questionnaire was utilised for data collection including demographic information and data related to low back pain and its characteristics and outcome.RESULTS:The study included 254 physicians. Their age ranged between 23 and 66 with a mean ± SD of 36.0 ± 9.3 years. Almost two-thirds (66.9%) were males. Most of the physicians (76.4%) ever had LBP whereas 70.5% had LBP in the last 12 months. The only significant factor associated with LBP in the past 12 months was physicians` speciality as all ophthalmologists and majority of emergency physicians and anaesthesia/intensive care physicians (88.9%) compared to only 14.3% of nephrologists and neurologists expressed LBP in the last 12 months. Overall, the association between physicians’ speciality and a history of LBP in the last 12 months was statistically significant, p = 0.014. Absence from work because of LBP in the last 3 months was mentioned by 15% of physicians.CONCLUSION:Low back pain is a very common health problem among physicians working at the King Salman Armed Forces hospital, Saudi Arabia. A considerable proportion of them was absent from work because of LBP.

Work-related risk factors and the prevalence of low back pain among low wage workers: results from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLow back pain, the most commonly reported musculoskeletal problem, is a major burden on individuals, health systems and social care systems with the indirect cost being predominant. It results in disability, poor service, low quality of life and sickness absences in working places. The problem of low back pain and its risk factors among hotel housekeepers are not well known in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and identify determinants of low back pain among hotel industries’ housekeepers in Gondar town, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2017. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select 422 study participants, and the data was collected by a standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p-value ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of low back pain among hotel housekeepers in Gondar town was 58.1% (95% CI: 53.6, 62.8%). Being temporary employee (AOR: 3.22), type of job which requires reaching/overstretching (AOR: 2.93), engaging in a job that requires repetitive bending (AOR: 1.97), making > 30 beds per day (AOR: 3.19) signified the significant risk factors for low back pain. However, hotel housekeepers who were satisfied in their current job were less impacted by low back pain (AOR: 0.49).ConclusionA high proportion of hotel housekeepers in this study reported they had low back pain. Employment pattern, rest break taken, reaching/overstretching, repetitive bending, job satisfaction, training related to health and safety and numbers of beds making were among the factors associated with low back pain. Hence, ergonomic measures focusing on correcting the arrangement of work station, rest breaks and changing some equipment are potentially important targets to reduce the problem.

Effect Of Exergaming On Core Muscle Endurance And Enjoyment In Young Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: The core provides a foundation for movement in the periphery and comprises muscles that stabilize central and peripheral major joints. Strength and endurance are both necessary for core stability, but poor endurance of core muscle is a major risk factor for low back pain in a healthy person. Despite traditional methods of improving core stability, poor adherence to exercise is a significant problem in young adults. In the 21st century, “exergame” or exercisebased video gaming is an attractive option for improving physical function. So, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of exergame on core muscle endurance and enjoyment of young adults.Methods: Quasi-experimental research was used. Male and female participants (n=30,15 in the Intervention group and 15 in the Control group) were recruited. The intervention group was given training with Nintendo® Ring Fit Adventure (RFA) exergame three times a week for six weeks. The control group received a general core endurance training program with the same duration and frequency. The McGill endurance test assessed core muscle endurance. Enjoyment of exergame was assessed using an Exergame Enjoyment Questionnaire.Results: The study showed that in both groups, there was a significant increase in endurance time (p<0.05). Betweengroup analysis showed that the intervention group had a highly significant difference in endurance time compared to the control group (p<0.01).Conclusion: RFA exergame can offer more enjoyment while playing and improve young adults' core muscle endurance. Exergames can be an exciting way of improving physical function in the technological era.

DOES AQUATIC EXERCISE IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OBESE LOW-BACK PAIN POPULATION?

Background: Low-back pain is one of the most common reasons for work stress, poor health, sickness, and reducing the quality of life. While obesity is a growing public health concern, it was proved that obesity is a risk factor for low back pain. Whereas obese low-back pain people cannot avoid weight load on the spine in any exercise, but they can easily carry out the exercise in water. This study aimed to know the effect of aquatic exercise on quality of life among obese low-back pain people.Methods: A total of 39 women with BMI≥27 kg.m-2 who had non-specific chronic low-back pain were purposively selected for this study. They randomly assigned in two groups; exercising (N=19, 37.85±5.83 years with 32.97±4.84kg.m-2) and control group (N=20, 40.8±5.25 years with 31.87±4.79 kg.m-2). The exercising group carried out the aquatic exercise, twice per week, 60 minutes per session, for 12 weeks. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36v2 questionnaire with eight domains; physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health.Results: The findings showed a significant (p≤0.001) improvement in the quality of life in the exercising group after 12 weeks. The significant improvement was found on seven domains of the SF-36v2 in the exercising group after the aquatic exercise intervention program while there was no significant effect on mental health (p=0.051). In the control group, a negative change in mean difference (-3.02) was observed in the mental health domain, while it was changed (15.32) for the exercising group. There was no significant change in BMI in both groups, also.Conclusion: In conclusion, a 12-week aquatic exercise is an appropriate intervention program to improve the overall quality of life among obese women who are suffering from non-significant chronic low- back pain.

Effects of School Backpacks on Spine Biomechanics During Daily Activities: A Narrative Review of Literature

The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the effects of carrying school backpacks on spine and low-back biomechanics as a risk factor for low back pain in young individuals. Backpacks constitute a considerable daily load for schoolchildren. Consistently, a large number of children attribute their low back pain experience to backpack use. A literature search was conducted using a combination of keywords related to the impact of carrying backpacks on lower back biomechanics. The references of each identified study were further investigated to identify additional studies. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 1,159 people aged 7 to 27 years were included in the studies. The added load of a backpack and the changes in spinal posture when carrying a backpack impose considerable demand on internal tissues and likely result in considerable spinal loads. The findings included results related to the effects of backpack weight and position on trunk kinematics and spine posture as well as trunk muscle activity during upright standing, walking, and ascending and descending stairs. Backpack-induced changes in trunk kinematics for a given activity reflect alterations in mechanical demand of the activity on the lower back that should be balanced internally by the active and passive responses of lower back tissues. Although the reported alterations in trunk muscle activities and lumbar posture are indications of changes in the active and passive response of the lower back tissues, the resultant effects on spinal load, that is, an important causal factor for low back pain, remains to be investigated in the future. A knowledge of backpack-induced changes in spinal loads can inform design of interventions aimed at reduction of spinal load via improved backpack design or limitation on carrying duration. This narrative review is intended to serve as an educational article for students and trainees in ergonomics and occupational biomechanics.

Prevalence of low back pain in migrant construction workers in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

We aimed to compare employment conditions, psychosocial working conditions, and prevalence of low back pain among migrant and local construction workers in Argentina. In a cross-sectional study among workers from three contracting and eight subcontracting companies as well as 26 construction sites in the region of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 134 out of 150 local (89% response) and 141 out of 150 migrant construction workers (94% response) answered a validated questionnaire. Psychosocial working conditions were evaluated based on an imbalance between efforts and rewards (ERI). Compared to local workers, migrants were younger, more likely to work without a contract (57% vs 8%), to report ERI (81% vs 18%) and to suffer from low back pain during the 7-days before study (80% vs 42%) (all P < .0001). After mutual adjustment, being a migrant (prevalence ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-3.0) and working without a contract (1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1) were statistically significant risk factors for low back pain. This study describes the precarious situation of migrant workers in the Argentinian construction industry and the potential health consequences. Provision of formal employment relations might help to better protect migrant workers' safety and health. Prospective studies are needed to assess the causes and effects of the findings we describe.

Myoelectric Activity of Individual Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscles Variation by Differing Seat Pan Depth

Background: The chair influences the position of the user in relation to his or her devices. Prolonged static sitting is a frequently mentioned risk factor for low back pain. Seat design, thus, plays an important role in the study of human sitting. Quantitative information is needed on what happens to body when one sits in chairs with different seat depth. Objective: To determine the myoelectric activity (EMG) of individual lumbar erector spinae muscles after sitting in chairs with different seat pan depth. Methods: EMG recordings were taken using surface electrodes placed on the lumbar erector spine muscles of 25 normal, volunteer subjects. EMG recordings for muscle activity were made while the study participants were in a comfortable position and performed the required tasks. The experiments investigated with 3 seat depths according to the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles of the buttock popliteal length. The recorded EMG data were normalized to the maximal voluntary contraction. The mean EMG recording was calculated for each of the 3 chairs tested. A mixed model was used to assess the differences among the situations. Results: A significant (p<0.05) difference was observed between the mean EMG recordings for the 3 tested seat pan depths. EMG activity was higher in seats with the 5th and 95th percentiles compared with that for the seat with 50th percentile of buttock popliteal length depth. Conclusion: The seat pan depth used during a comfortable position has a significant effect on the level of myoelectric activity in the lumbar erector spinal muscles. The finding of this study may contribute to our understanding of the biomechanics of sitting.

Abdominal fat accumulation as a potential risk factor for low back pain in adult men

The purposes of this study were twofold: (a) to examine role of body mass index in incidence of low back pain and (b) to investigate more relevant causes of low back pain in body composition. Of the 250 initial subjects, 188 subjects were included for the first analysis and divided into quartiles based on the scores of Japan Low Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire which was adopted to assess low back pain. We selected 51 subjects (body mass index: 27.4±5.0 kg/m2; age: 47.4±10.9 years) in 1st quartile as a control group and 45 subjects (body mass index: 27.1±2.8 kg/m2; age: 56.4±7.1 years) in 4th quartile as a low back pain group for the final analysis. Assessments of anthropometric characteristics and body composition (by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were carried out and body composition was evaluated as absolute and relative values. No difference in body mass index between the two groups was detected and waist hip ratio and percentage of trunk fat mass per weight in low back pain group was significantly greater than those in the control group. While low back pain was significantly related to abdominal fat related variables including waist, waist hip ratio and percentage of trunk fat mass per weight, it was not linked to other variables such as weight and body mass index. Abdominal fat accumulation may be a potential risk factor for low back pain in adult men.

Risk Factors For Pregnancy Related Low Back Pain

Objective: The mean incidence of back pain in pregnant women very often as compared to non-pregnant women of the same ages. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of low back pain during pregnancy in newly delivered mothers who had no predisposing factors for low back pain. Methods: 83 newly delivered women were included fort he study who are having a normal pregnancy, no history of back/low back/hip pain requiring hospital admission or medication, no history of hospital admission during pregnancy except for the last delivery, being a housewife, and delivering a single baby at term.A questionnaire including demographic and clinical characteristics were applied to participants. Results: 51.8% of all mothers declared experiencing pain in at least one of the anatomical regions including back, low back, hip, and posterior pelvic area during the last pregnancy. No significant difference was determined between pain an no pain group in term of age, pre-pregnancy and prenatal body weights/body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, number of pregnancy, age of marriage/first live birth, delivery mode. Neonatal height was significantly greater in the mothers with pain compared to the mothers with no pain, although no significant difference was found with regard to neonatal weight and gender. A very significant relationship was found between the presence of pain during a previous pregnancy and during the last pregnancy Conclusions: Pregnancy-related low back pain is a common health problem among pregnant women, even in women with no history of predisposing factors for low back pain.

Prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among university teaching staff in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study.

Background: To date, there are few studies carried out on low back pain (LBP) among university teaching staff in developing countries despite academics being a high-risk group for LBP. In Kenya, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies that have investigated risk factors for LBP among teaching staff. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of LBP among teaching staff of the University of Nairobi (UoN), during the period June 2016 - May 2017, and to identify its socio-demographic and work-related risk factors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence and investigate the risk factors for LBP among 136 teaching staff of UoN. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LBP history, work-related and socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. The 12-month prevalence of LBP and its associated 95% exact binomial confidence interval were estimated. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between the predictors and LBP. Results: The estimated 12-month prevalence of LBP was 64% (95% CI: 55.3%-72.0%). From the multivariable analysis, physical inactivity (aOR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.2-29.6), office chairs without lumbar supports (aOR: 3.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9) and high workplace stress (aOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.1-17.5) were identified as significant risk factors for LBP among the respondents. Conclusions: This study has revealed a high burden of LBP among teaching staff of the UoN and undoubtedly mimics the situation in other higher learning institutions in Kenya. Physical inactivity, sitting on chairs without lumbar supports and workplace stress have been identified as modifiable risk factors for LBP among teaching staff. This suggests a need to strengthen advocacy for regular physical activity, team-building activities and investment in office infrastructure to mitigate the effects of LBP within learning institutions.

Physical activity as a prognostic factor of pain intensity and disability in patients with low back pain: A systematic review.

Identifying factors that influence the course of low back pain (LBP) is important to help clinicians to identify those patients at higher risk of non-recovery. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the prognostic role of physical activity in the course of LBP. Literature searches were conducted in five electronic databases from their inception to February 2018. Prospective cohort studies investigating the influence of any type of physical activity in people with LBP were considered eligible. The primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Results were stratified according to participants' symptoms duration at baseline. Twelve studies were considered eligible for this review. Of these, six included patients with chronic LBP, four studies did not specify the patients' duration of symptoms, one study included patients with acute LBP, and one study included patients with subacute LBP. Included studies were heterogeneous in terms of physical activity assessment, outcomes, follow-up duration, and statistical methods, therefore, pooling of results was not performed. We found limited evidence to support the prognostic role of physical activity in the course of LBP. Our review identified limited evidence supporting physical activity as a prognostic factor in LBP. Future cohort studies are needed to clarify the strength and importance of this association. Despite recent research in the area, this systematic review shows that there is low quality evidence that physical activity may not be a prognostic factor for predicting pain and disability in patients with LBP.

Prevalence and Determinants of Low Back Pain among Lecturers: A Quantitative Approach

Introduction: Lower back pain is one of the most common work-related problems among teaching professionals in both developed and developing nations and it often leads to absenteeism or early retirement of workers. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain among academic staff.&#x0D; Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was adopted. Five faculties were randomly selected in Ekiti State University, Nigeria and a self-structured questionnaire was purposively administered; depending on interest and availability of the respondents. The data was explored and Chi-square analysis alongside binary logistic regression was applied in order to evaluate the relationship between low back pain and some associated factors. Analysis was carried out in SPSS version 20.&#x0D; Results: This study comprises 127 lecturers with a mean age of (41.95±9.42). There were more males (55.9%) than females. More than thirty six percent of the lecturers had teaching experience below 5 years while 44.9% had 5 to 10 years and 18.9% had above 10 years of teaching experience. The results show that age, gender, prolonged sitting and prolonged standing significantly (p-value &lt;.05) associated with occurrence of low back pain among lecturers while mixed teaching posture serves a protective against low back pain.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results reveal a very high prevalence of low back pain. Findings show that female gender, old age and inappropriate work postures are the risk factors of low back pain. It is suggested that effort should be to ameliorate occupational stress among academic staff.

The effect of a passive trunk exoskeleton on metabolic costs during lifting and walking

The objective of this study was to assess how wearing a passive trunk exoskeleton affects metabolic costs, movement strategy and muscle activation during repetitive lifting and walking. We measured energy expenditure, kinematics and muscle activity in 11 healthy men during 5 min of repetitive lifting and 5 min of walking with and without exoskeleton. Wearing the exoskeleton during lifting, metabolic costs decreased as much as 17%. In conjunction, participants tended to move through a smaller range of motion, reducing mechanical work generation. Walking with the exoskeleton, metabolic costs increased up to 17%. Participants walked somewhat slower with shortened steps while abdominal muscle activity slightly increased when wearing the exoskeleton. Wearing an exoskeleton during lifting decreased metabolic costs and hence may reduce the development of fatigue and low back pain risk. During walking metabolic costs increased, stressing the need for a device that allows disengagement of support depending on activities performed.Practitioner summary: Physiological strain is an important risk factor for low back pain. We observed that an exoskeleton reduced metabolic costs during lifting, but had an opposite effect while walking. Therefore, exoskeletons may be of benefit for lifting by decreasing physiological strain but should allow disengagement of support when switching between tasks.Abbreviations: COM: centre of mass; EMG: electromyography; LBP: low back pain; MVC: maximum voluntary isometric contraction; NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; PLAD: personal lift augmentation device; PWS: preferred walking speed without exoskeleton; PWSX: preferred walking speed with exoskeleton; ROM: range of motion; RER: respiratory exchange ratio; V ̇O2max: maximum rate of oxygen consumption

The Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Female High School Students.

A prospective cross-sectional study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors with low back pain (LBP) in female adolescents of high school age. The prevalence of LBP in Tehran is high, and the majority of previous studies on LBP in adolescent and its risk factors have been performed in the developed countries. Therefore, identification of risk factors and planning appropriate protocols for prevention of LBP in adolescents may substantially decrease the prevalence of LBP and its burden in developing countries in future. In a prospective cross-sectional study, demographic characteristics, including age, body mass index (BMI), weight and mode of using backpack, family history of LBP in first degree relatives, and passive smoking status of the participants along with a history of LBP were recorded. Joint hypermobility was assessed using Beighton scale. Also, anthropometric measurements, spinal flexion, and hip joint range of motion were measured for each participant. In total, 372 students participated in the study. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 15.8 (0.9) years. The lifetime, more than 3 months, and last month history of LBP was 46.2%, 11.6%, and 31.2%, respectively. Positive history of LBP in the first-degree relatives was significantly associated with LBP in the participants (P < 0.01). The prevalence of passive smoking was significantly higher in the participants with last month history of LBP (P = 0.03). The prevalence of joint hypermobility was 15.9% and was significantly higher in those with the lifetime and last month history of LBP (P < 0.01). LBP is a common complaint among adolescent and high school girl students. The results of this study identified the prevalence and associated factors with LBP in high school students and will help develop strategies for prevention and treatment of LBP in the adolescent population. 3.

Prevalence of Work Related Low Back Pain among Physical Therapists with Different Foot Postures at Fayoum, Egypt: A Survey Study

AbstractBackground: Low Back Pain (LBP) is the commonest form of musculoskeletal disorder among physical therapists. Repetitive tasks, high force manual techniques bending/twisting postures, patient transfer assisting with mat activities, lifting heavy equipment, prolonged constrained posture and foot abnormalties identified as risk factors of low back pain which is common in the field of physical therapy.Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to identify prevalence of work related LBP among physical therapists with different foot postures working in governmental hospitals in fayoum-Egypt.Subjects and Methods: 147 physical therapists who are working in the governmental hospitals in Fayoum-Egypt, the LBP will be measured by Nordic Questionnaires (NQ) and foot postures measured by Foot Posture Index (FPI).Results: 112 of the 147P. Ts (76.19%) have completed the questionnaire. WRLBP (n=68), non WRLBP (n=25), no LBP (n=19). The lifetime prevalence of WRLBP was 60.71%, the twelve-month prevalence of WRLBP was 52.67%, the point prevalence of WRLBP was 47.32%, concerning BMI and WRLBP 74.28% of subjects with BMI of 20-24.9kg/m2 and 54.54% of subjects with BMI of 25-29.9kg/m2, the WRLBP was present in 54.83% of female subjects and in 68% of male subjects, the WRLBP was present in 56% of subjects with normal foot posture, 55% of subjects with pronated foot posture, 91% of subjects with highly pronated foot posture, 100% of subjects with supinated foot posture and 67% of subjects with highly supinated foot posture.Conclusion: There was no statistically significant associ-ation between LBP and foot postures, however there was a statistically significant association between WRLBP and BMI. There was a high prevalence of WRLBP among physical therapists who working in governmental hospitals in Fayoum-Egypt.

Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among health care workers in southwestern Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe purpose was to measure the prevalence and related risk factors of low back pain (LBP) among health care workers (HCWs) at different levels of health care in southwestern Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among HCWs providing primary, secondary and tertiary health care services in the Aseer region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire collected data regarding having LBP in the past 12 months, socio-demographics, work conditions and history of chronic diseases, regular physical exercise and overexertional back trauma. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsOut of 740 participants, the overall prevalence of LBP in the past 12 months amounted to73.9% (95% CI: 70.7–77.0). The prevalence of LBP with neurological symptoms reached 50.0%. The prevalence of LBP necessitating medications and or physiotherapy was 40.5%, while the prevalence of LBP requiring medical consultation was 20%. Using multivariable logistic regression, the following risk factors were identified: working in secondary and tertiary hospitals (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI:1.01–1.76), increased BMI (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI:1.01–3.65), and positive history of overexertional back trauma (aOR = 11.52, 95% CI:4.14–32.08). On the other hand, practising regular physical exercise was a significant protective factor (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42–0.89).ConclusionsLBP is a common problem among HCWs. Many preventable risk factors have been identified, including exertional back trauma, increased BMI and lack of regular physical exercise. Occupational health and safety programmes to build ergonomically safe working conditions and encourage regular physical exercise are needed.

Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units

Studies have shown that low back pain is a common health problem among hospital nurses especially those working in Intensive Care Units. However, prevalence and the related risk factors in intensive care units needs to be widely investigated. The aims: of this study were to identify prevalence of low back pain and determine its related risk factors among nurses working in Intensive Care Units. Subjects: A purposive sample of all nurses who worked in intensive care units and meet the inclusion criteria. Setting: The study was conducted at four intensive care units of Menoufia University hospital. Tools of the study: Two tools were utilized for data collection as follow; Tool I: Interviewing questionnaire and Tool II: Observational checklist. Results: The prevalence of low back pain among studied nurses was 85%. The most important and preventable risk factors for low back pain among studied nurses were higher body mass index, more average working hours/day, not enough working space, lower compliance of nurses with proper body mechanics and range of motion exercises during work. Conclusion: prevalence of low back pain among nurses working in intensive care units was high. There were multi interrlatrelatede risk factors for low back pain among studied nurses: work, patients and personnel related factors. Recommendations: Periodic and continuous in-services training for nurses working in intensive care units on preventing and coping strategies for low back pain should be implemented.