Correlation Between Core Muscle Strength and Low Back Pain Among Health Science Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is among the leading causes of disability worldwide and is increasingly common in university students, particularly health science students who spend long hours in static postures during lectures and clinical postings. Reduced endurance of the core stabilizing muscles has been proposed as a modifiable risk factor for LBP, but this relationship remains under-studied in health science student populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP among health science students and its correlation with core muscle strength and endurance. In this cross-sectional study, 100 health science students (18–25 years) at Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, India, were recruited by convenience sampling. Core muscle endurance was assessed using the Plank, Side Bridge and Biering-Sorensen tests and pressure biofeedback; pain intensity and functional disability were measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. LBP was reported by 72% of participants. Students with LBP had significantly lower Plank (p=0.023), Side Bridge (p=0.022) and Prone Pressure Biofeedback (p<0.001) scores than those without LBP. Core endurance measures showed moderate-to-strong negative correlations with NPRS (r=-0.23 to -0.43) and ODI (r=-0.39 to -0.61) scores. Sorensen Test endurance significantly predicted pain intensity (R²=0.173, p<0.001). LBP is highly prevalent among health science students and is significantly associated with reduced core muscle endurance, greater pain intensity and functional disability. Core-strengthening and ergonomic education programmes should be incorporated into student wellness initiatives.