Gender Differences in the Relationship between Physical Activity, Postural Characteristics and Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Young Adults

Abstract

Background/Aim: University students are a particularly vulnerable population, as they spend increasing amounts of time sitting, which poses a major threat to their musculoskeletal health and posture. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences in the relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, spinal curvatures and mobility, the endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, and the possible presence of non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in young adults aged 18-25 years. Methods: A total of 139 students completed all required tests. Results: Male students engaged in significantly more PA related to recreation, sports and leisure and were significantly more likely to be hyperkyphotic than female students. The more the male students participated in sports, the more pronounced the thoracic kyphosis. Female students had significantly more pronounced lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt that correlated with lumbar lordosis. Female students generally had significantly higher trunk extensor endurance and more balanced trunk musculature than males. NS-LBP correlated with PA in female students who generally had higher levels of NS-LBP than male students, with a statistically significant difference between those who practiced the most PA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that female students practice less PA and have pronounced lordosis and trunk extensor endurance, in contrast to males who practice more PA and have pronounced trunk flexor endurance and hyperkyphosis. Our findings suggest that more PA should be encouraged but implemented with caution and as an individualized gender-specific approach to prevent postural deformities and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including NS-LBP.

Keywords: kyphosis; lordosis; low back pain; physical activity; posture; trunk muscle endurance; young adults.

Figure 1

Trunk extensor endurance testing. (A) Participants held their upper body away from the end of the table by leaning on a chair directly below them with their arms outstretched. (B) The test time was set at 180 s and measured with a stopwatch while the arms were raised from the chair and crossed over the chest with the hands resting on the opposite shoulders and the participants assuming the horizontal position.

Figure 2

Trunk flexor endurance testing. (A) Participants were in a supine position with the hips and knees flexed to 90° and the trunk resting on a wedge at a 60° angle. (B) The time was measured from the moment the wedge was pushed back 10 cm until the participant reestablished contact with the wedge again.

Figure 3

Flowchart of a number of participants at different stages in the study. AI, autoimmune; N, number; IPAQ-LF, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Long Form.