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

Authors

  • Ehab A Abdallah Department of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Horus University-Egypt, International Coastal Road, New Damietta, Egypt / Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
  • Eman K. Mohamed Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
  • Mohamed Abd El-Naser Ghareeb Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan / Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
  • Mahmoud Diab Abdelhaleem Department of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
  • Ahmed M. Elshinnawy Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Merit University, Sohag, Egypt
  • Zeezy S. Eraky Department of Physical Therapy for Internal Medicine and Elderly, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
  • Sobhy M. Aly Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia / Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
  • Nehad Mohamed AbdElnabi Mousa Department of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Horus University-Egypt, International Coastal Road, New Damietta, Egypt / Mansoura University Students Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.720381

Keywords:

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

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.    

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Published

09-06-2026

How to Cite

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. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.720381

Issue

Vol. 15 (2026)

Section

Articles

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