Association between physical activity level and demographic variables in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the physical activity level of patients with non–specific chronic low back pain and to determine association between the physical activity level and demographic variables of the patients. Ninety six patients diagnosed with non–specific chronic low-back pain (NSCLBP) attending outpatient clinic of Physiotherapy Department in selected hospitals in Oyo and Osun States of Nigeria participated in the study. Each participants gave their inform consent, ethical approval was also obtained from appropriate authority. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to assess the physical activity level while a structured questionnaire was used to assess the demographic data of participants. Descriptive statistic and chi square was used to analyse the data collected. The result of the study revealed that, incidence of low back pain increases with age. The peak incidence was within 50-59 years and declines as from 70 years and above. The result also showed that physical activity level decreases with increase in age. Greater number of patients (61.5%) were on moderate physical activity level, more male were involved in higher physical activity than female participants and there was a significant association between age group and physical activity level of participants (p < 0.05). The study concluded that larger percentage of NSCLBP patients in this environment were within low and moderate physical activity level and age group had an association with the level of physical activity.