Prevalence of Chronic Low Back Pain and Its Association with Physical Activity Levels Among Adults Attending Physiotherapy Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic lower back pain represents one of the main sources of disability, creating a significant clinical problem. The role of physical activity as a risk factor affecting musculoskeletal disorders is widely recognized, while the relation of this factor with the intensity of suffering among patients attending a physiotherapeutic clinic is a challenge waiting to be addressed. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify the scope of chronic low back pain, along with its relation to physical activity levels in the adult population attending a physiotherapeutic clinic. Methodology: An observational study with a cross-sectional design will be carried out involving 150 adults ≥ 18 years with a complaint of low back pain of more than 12 weeks’ duration. The information will be collected using a structured questionnaire evaluating the participants’ demographics, intensity of suffering, functional limitations, and levels of physical activity. The individuals will be classified into groups according to the levels of physical activity: low, moderate, and high activity. The study will help assess using descriptive statistical methods the relation of physical activity levels with the mentioned clinical variables. Results: The scope of moderate-to-severe chronic lower back pain was high among participants. Nearly 50 percent of participants had low levels of physical activity. Statistically significant relations were found among levels of physical activity, intensity of suffering, and functional limitations. Patients belonging to the lower activity group had higher chances of severe suffering, along with higher levels of functional limitations than the other groups (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Lower levels of physical activity are significantly correlated with higher intensity of suffering and higher functional limitations among adults seeking care within a physiotherapeutic clinic. Encouraging physical activity should form a central point of a treatment program offered by a physiotherapist