Efficacy of Spinal Extension Exercise and Ergonomic Advice for Non-specific Low Back Pain Among University Population

Abstract

Background: College students are required to sit for long periods of time in their classrooms. Prolonged sitting is
defined as sitting for more than 2 hours continuously, students usually sit in classrooms on an average of 6 to 8
hours per day. Prolonged sitting has become a major risk factor causing low back pain especially among university
students. The recurrence of LBP at old age also increases if the person is found to have LBP at an early stage.
Purpose: The objective of this research is to establish the gradual development from functional limitations in
non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) among college students after spinal extension exercise and ergonomic advice.
Materials and Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the subjects were identified. They were
provided with an explanation of the study. A group of 60 subjects were recruited for this research and divided into
3 groups, in which the first group was given spinal extension exercise (n=20), the second group (n=20) was given
ergonomic advice and the third group (n=20) was given combination of both the interventions. The Roland-Morris
Disability Questionnaire is a 24-item self-report tool for assessing function. The entire process was performed from
November 2022 to April 2023.
Result: From statistical analysis, the group that received spinal extension exercise combined with ergonomic
advice has better outcomes. (p=0.001)
Conclusion: The spinal extension exercise given along with ergonomic advice is effective in the treatment of
NSLBP for university students.