Association Between Tightness of Hamstring, Quadriceps and Iliopsoas Muscles on Pain, Low Back Pain Related Disability and Agility among Medical Students

Abstract

Muscular tightness leads to restricted range of motion and is caused by decreased ability of muscles to deform. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, and muscle imbalance are major contributing factors to muscle tightness and associated musculoskeletal problems. The research was conducted for six months in 2024 at Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences (PIRMS), Karachi. The study population included medical students aged 19-25 years. Data collection involved Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and Hexagonal Agility Test. Chi-square test was used to analyze associations between variables. A total of 114 medical students were included. Percentage of female was high as compared to male. Moderate and severe pain was reported by majority with moderate disability most common. Agility was mostly intact. Gender showed significant association with pain and disability, while age, marital status, field of education, and level of education showed no significant association. These findings highlight that muscle tightness is associated with pain, disability, and reduced functional ability among medical students. Regular stretching, physical activity, and posture correction are important for reducing pain and improving quality of life.