Abstract
Physical inactivity and intensive sports activity have been found to be associated with Lower Back Pain – LBP. The aim of this study is to present the data about the prevalence of LBP in young adults and its associations with vitality, physical activity and emotions. We also studied the impact of low back pain on daily activity. The study sample presented (n = 323) students from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the chronological age of 21.06 ± 1.93 years. The current study assessed the level of LBP amongst students of Faculty of Sport with the level of physical activity in last six months. Average values of body mass index – BMI was: FFK – Skopje 23.13 (2.53), FTOS – Tuzla 22.94 (2.37) i FASTO – Sarajevo 22.95 (2.66). We used the questionnaire, which included the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) for the evaluation of levels of chronic pain. With a Short Health Survey (SF-36) we have established the health status. All tested students (n = 323) had pain intensity at some point in last six months. Seventy three procents of students (n = 236) reported prevalence of LBP. In this study body mass index, level of physical activity were not significant
independent predictors of intensity and disability scores. 3/4 of all respondents said to have had any episode LBP. The results of our study can be used by officials in the area of prevention to support efforts to improve health of the student population and to reduce the LBP risk.