Variables Associated With Level of Disability in Working Individuals With Nonacute Low Back Pain: A Cross-sectional Investigation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2013

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Single-site, exploratory, crosssectional design.

OBJECTIVE: To identify variables associated with disability related to low back pain (LBP), as measured by the modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (mOSW), in a sample of working adults with nonacute LBP.

BACKGROUND: Compared to acute LBP, there is little information available in the literature to identify variables associated with LBP-related disability in working individuals with stage 2 and stage 3 LBP.

METHODS: Data analyzed were from working individuals with nonacute LBP (n = 235). The response variable was dichotomized by mOSW score (less than 20 or 20 or greater), and the regressor variables included 27 self-report, sociodemographic, impairment-based, and kinematic measures used to assess individuals with LBP. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with mOSW.

RESULTS: One hundred eleven subjects had a mOSW score of 20 or greater, and 124 subjects had a mOSW score of less than 20. Logistic regression analysis identified 4 variables associated with LBP-related disability (mOSW): duration of LBP (P = .006), numeric pain rating (P<.0001), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity subscale (P = .0007), and limits of stability movement velocity in the forward direction (P = .02). The best model had an R2 (u) of 0.25.

CONCLUSION: The odds of LBP-related disability (mOSW) in this sample of nonacute working individuals were found to increase with longer duration of LBP, higher numeric pain rating scores, higher Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity subscale scores, and slower limits of stability movement velocity in the forward direction. The identification of limits of stability movement velocity is a novel finding that may support a link between sensorimotor balance deficits and disability in working individuals with nonacute LBP.

Comments

The copy of record is available from the publisher at http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2013.4382 Copyright © 2013 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy

doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4382

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