Association of Sitting Posture with Low Back Pain Among University Students: Sitting Posture and Back Pain

Arisha Zubair; Sundas Sohail; Samia Sarmad; Sana Toqueer; Taimoor Ahmad

doi:10.54393/tt.v5i03.253

Authors

Arisha Zubair University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sundas Sohail University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Samia Sarmad University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sana Toqueer University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Taimoor Ahmad University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/tt.v5i03.253

Keywords:

Sitting Posture, Low Back Pain, University Students, Body Awareness and Postural Habits among Young Adults questionnaire

Abstract

Prolonged sitting and rising back pain among students have been linked to reduced motivation toward career-oriented opportunities. Objective: To find an association of sitting posture with low back pain among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a 6-month period at the University of Lahore, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. A total of 189 university students aged 18–25 years were recruited based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire comprising three sections: demographics, postural habits (using a validated postural awareness questionnaire), and low back pain assessment (using a validated adolescent LBP questionnaire). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: In this observational study of university students aged 18–25, 39% were between 18–21 years old and 60% were 22–25 years. The sample comprised 34% males and 65% females. Most students were enrolled in the English Department (38%), Allied Health Sciences (34%), or Information Technology (27%). Regarding sedentary time, 45% reported sitting for about five hours daily, while 54% sat for five to ten hours. Ergonomic seating was limited only 32% used chairs with back and arm support, while 67% sat on chairs without such features. Postural analysis showed that over half (52%) adopted kyphotic or hyper-lordotic postures, 21% slouched, and just 24% maintained a neutral spine. Overall, 66% displayed poor posture during classes and this rose to 76% at home. Conclusion: This study concluded that sitting posture was significantly associated with low back pain.

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