Correlation between Low Back Pain with Core Muscles Endurances Among Undergraduate Students: A Cross Sectional Study
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Abstract
Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint in Malaysian healthcare and is increasingly common among undergraduate students. This study aimed to examine the relationship between functional status related to LBP and core muscle endurance, as well as evaluate their levels among undergraduates. Materials and Methods: A total of 297 students from various academic disciplines participated in this cross-sectional study. They completed a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic information and the Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS). Core muscle endurance was assessed using McGill’s Core Muscle Endurance Test. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to analyze the relationship between BPFS scores and endurance levels. Results: The majority of participants were aged 20–21 years, with a nearly equal gender distribution. Most students were from health sciences disciplines and were in their second or third year of study. The most challenging functional tasks reported were sleeping and putting on shoes or socks. Among endurance measures, trunk flexors showed the highest median endurance, followed by extensors, with lower values observed for lateral trunk muscles. Significant positive correlations were found between BPFS scores and trunk flexor endurance (ρ = 0.426, p < .001), extensor endurance (ρ = 0.394, p < .001), and lateral trunk endurance (ρ = 0.379–0.403, p < .001). Conclusion: Core muscle endurance is positively associated with functional ability among undergraduates with LBP. These findings support integrating core-strengthening exercises into student wellness initiatives to reduce LBP-related limitations and promote spinal health.
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