Beatriz Minghelli1, Raul Oliveira, Carla Nunes. 1. School of Health Jean Piaget Algarve, Piaget Institute, Enxerim, Silves, 8300-025, Portugal, beatriz.minghelli@silves.ipiaget.pt.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition in children and adolescents, and the prevalence has been increasing over the years. Most cases of LBP are due to non-specific causes; however, the role of these risk factors is still controversial. This study determined the prevalence of LBP in Portuguese adolescents and characterized the associated factors. METHODS: The design of this study was observational, analytical and cross-sectional. The sample included 966 adolescents from southern Portugal, aged between 10 and 16 years. The assessments included a questionnaire to characterize the presence of LBP, postural habits, body mass index (BMI) and backpack weights and to use a scoliometer to evaluate the presence of scoliosis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two (15.7 %) students had LPB at the present time, 456 (47.2 %) had experienced it in the last year, and 600 (62.1 %) had lifetime prevalence of LBP. Girls have 2.05 more probability of presenting LBP than boys (95 % CI 1.58-2.65; p < 0.001), and older students have a 1.54 greater probability (95 % CI 1.19-1.99; p = 0.001). Students who sit with the spine incorrectly positioned presented 2.49 greater probability of having LBP (95 % CI 1.91-3.2; p < 0.001), students using improper positions for watching TV or playing games have 2.01 greater probabilities (95 % CI 1.55-2.61; p < 0.001), and those who adopt an incorrect standing posture have a 3.39 greater chance of experiencing LBP (95 % CI 2.19-5.23; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a high prevalence of LBP in adolescents, with higher values in older students, female students and those who adopted incorrect positions when sitting or standing.
BACKGROUND:Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition in children and adolescents, and the prevalence has been increasing over the years. Most cases of LBP are due to non-specific causes; however, the role of these risk factors is still controversial. This study determined the prevalence of LBP in Portuguese adolescents and characterized the associated factors. METHODS: The design of this study was observational, analytical and cross-sectional. The sample included 966 adolescents from southern Portugal, aged between 10 and 16 years. The assessments included a questionnaire to characterize the presence of LBP, postural habits, body mass index (BMI) and backpack weights and to use a scoliometer to evaluate the presence of scoliosis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two (15.7 %) students had LPB at the present time, 456 (47.2 %) had experienced it in the last year, and 600 (62.1 %) had lifetime prevalence of LBP. Girls have 2.05 more probability of presenting LBP than boys (95 % CI 1.58-2.65; p < 0.001), and older students have a 1.54 greater probability (95 % CI 1.19-1.99; p = 0.001). Students who sit with the spine incorrectly positioned presented 2.49 greater probability of having LBP (95 % CI 1.91-3.2; p < 0.001), students using improper positions for watching TV or playing games have 2.01 greater probabilities (95 % CI 1.55-2.61; p < 0.001), and those who adopt an incorrect standing posture have a 3.39 greater chance of experiencing LBP (95 % CI 2.19-5.23; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a high prevalence of LBP in adolescents, with higher values in older students, female students and those who adopted incorrect positions when sitting or standing.
Authors: Alberto de Vitta; Thiago Paulo Frascareli Bento; Guilherme Porfirio Cornelio; Priscila Daniele de Oliveira Perrucini; Lilian Assunção Felippe; Marta Helena Souza de Conti Journal: Braz J Phys Ther Date: 2021-12-02 Impact factor: 3.377