Association of Physical Activity with Low Back Pain in School-Age Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition that often appears in childhood. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between LBP and factors related to physical activity among Iranian schoolage children and adolescents. Methods: This cross sectional study included 4,644 school age children and adolescents living in Bandar Abbas City. Participants and their parents responded to a questionnaire on back pain and physical activity; the questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. In multiple logistic regressions, we investigated the correlation between LBP and physical activity related exposure variables during lifetime. Results: 21.4% of the children reported a history of LBP at present or in the past. According to the findings of this study, LBP was associated with age and sex; there were positive and negative relationships between currently active (CA) and previously active (PA) participants (OR=1.285. P=0.012 and OR=0.66. P=0.014, respectively). LBP also negatively correlated with the amount of time spent on physical activity .Conclusion: According to the results, age and sex could be predictors for LBP; specific levels of physical activity were associated with reduced risk of LPB. Based on these associations, children and adolescents must be motivated to participate in physical activity; also, future studies should investigate the optimal amount and type of physical activity for back health in this age group.