Abstract

Relationship between physical activity level and pain intensity in patients with low back pain: a cross-sectional study

Axel Keza,BSc1, Freedom Ininahazwe, MD2, Arthur Ntakirutimana, MD3; Ildephonse Nduwimana, PhD4

1Laboratoire des biomathématiques et Estimations Forestières (LABEF), University of Abomey Calavi, Benin ; 2Hôpital Prince Régent Charles, Bujumbura, Burundi ;
3Hôpital Militaire de Kamenge, Bujumbura, Burundi ;
4National Institute of Public Heath, Bujumbura, Burundi

Contact author : Axel Keza, kezaaxel98@gmail.com

Background: Low back pain remains the leading cause of years lived with disability globally. Physical inactivity is one of the risk factors that may increase the prevalence of low back pain in the population. Little is known the relation between the physical activity level and low back pain.

Aim : To analyse the relationships between the physical activity level and the pain intensity in patients with low back pain.

Methods : It was a cross-sectional study among individuals with low back pain recruited from Bujumbura hospitals and physiotherapy centers. Study variables included socio-demographics, pain intensity measured with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and physical activity level measured with Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-min per week were calculated from the GPAQ. Moderate- intensity physical activity corresponds to 4 MET/min, and vigorous-intensity physical activity corresponds to 8 MET/min. To determine the associations between these variables, a multinomial logistic regression was utilized.

Results : 135 individuals with low back pain individuals, 56.30% were women, 71.85% of participants were married, and 47.40% of participants had a secondary school education.
Pain severity and the intensity of physical activity were negatively associated. Low and moderate physical activity during transportation and leisure activities were significantly (p˂0.01) associated to moderate and severe low back pain.

Conclusions: Individuals who reported moderate to severe pain were found to perform reduced physical activity during transportation and leisure. These findings highlighted the positive effects of physical activity in low back pain prevention and management.

Keywords: low back pain; physical activity; Burundi; cross-sectional study.