Low back pain among medical students
Philipp Moroder1, Armin Runer, Herbert Resch
1Department of Traumatology and Sports Injuries, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. philipp.moroder@pmu.ac.at
Acta Orthopaedica Belgica
|April 9, 2011
Summary
Medical students exhibit sedentary lifestyles, yet low back pain (LBP) prevalence is similar to more active physical education students. This suggests sitting time may not be a primary risk factor for LBP in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) affects individuals across age groups.
- Medical school curricula may contribute to sedentary behaviors and LBP.
- Understanding LBP prevalence in student populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sedentary lifestyle extent between medical and physical education students.
- To determine and compare the 12-month prevalence of LBP in these student groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective questionnaire-based study.
- Inquiry of 103 medical students and 107 physical education students.
- Assessment of physical activity levels, sitting time, and LBP prevalence.
Main Results:
- Medical students were 2.5 times less physically active and sat 3 hours longer daily than physical education students (p < 0.001).
- 12-month LBP prevalence was 53.4% in medical students vs. 60.7% in physical education students (p = 0.329).
- No statistically significant difference in LBP prevalence was observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of LBP exists among young students.
- Despite a more sedentary lifestyle, medical students did not report higher LBP rates than physically active peers.
- Current literature suggests sitting may not be a significant risk factor for LBP.
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