Correlation between low back pain and disability among physical therapy students at Horus University, Egypt: Across-sectional study

Mohamed, Eman K.; El-Naser Ghareeb, Mohamed Abd; Abdelhaleem, Mahmoud Diab; Elshinnawy, Ahmed M.; Eraky, Zeezy S.; Aly, Sobhy M.; AbdElnabi Mousa, Nehad Mohamed; Abdallah, Ehab A

Correlation between low back pain and disability among physical therapy students at Horus University, Egypt: Across-sectional study

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Correlation between low back pain and disability among physical.pdf(538.35 KB)

Date

2026

Authors

Mohamed, Eman K.

El-Naser Ghareeb, Mohamed Abd

Abdelhaleem, Mahmoud Diab

Elshinnawy, Ahmed M.

Eraky, Zeezy S.

Aly, Sobhy M.

AbdElnabi Mousa, Nehad Mohamed

Abdallah, Ehab A

Publisher

Universidad de Murcia: Servicio de Publicaciones

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability and has been associated with several factors, including postural habits, physical inactivity, and psychosocial factors among university students. The precise cause of LBP is often difficult to find, with activity imbalance and postural changes being common contributors. Students in healthcare-related fields are particularly susceptible to LBP. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between LBP and disability among physical therapy students at Horus University, Egypt. A total of 200 physical therapy students (59% females and 41% males), aged 20 to 25 years enrolled in the current study, at Horus University, Egypt.. To measure pain and functional level, both Acute LBP Screening Questionnaire (ALBPSQ) and Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI) were used. The current study revealed that there was a moderate correlation between ALBPSQ score and ODI score (p<0.05). Also, there was a moderate correlation between pain intensity in terms of VAS (Visual Analog Scale) score and dysfunction level in terms of ODI (p<0.05). The findings highlight the relationship between pain intensity and functional impairment in physical therapy students with LBP. Universities and healthcare institutions might consider implementing policies that promote better posture, regular physical activity, and ergonomic practices to reduce the incidence of LBP among students.

Keywords

Disability , Pain Intensity , Psychosocial Factors , Physical Activity , Low Back Pain

Citation

Abdallah, E. A., Mohamed, E. K., El-Naser Ghareeb, M. A., Abdelhaleem, M. D., Elshinnawy, A. M., Eraky, Z. S., … AbdElnabi Mousa, N. M. (2026). Correlation between low back pain and disability among physical therapy students at Horus University, Egypt: A cross-sectional study. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 51.