Research Reports (Original Article)
Associations of Physical Function and Lifestyle Factors with Low Back Pain in Male Manufacturing Workers
A Cross-sectional Study
2026 Volume 53 Issue 5 Pages 321-328
Details
2026 Volume 53 Issue 5 Pages 321-328
Objective: To examine the associations of low back pain (LBP) with workplace-feasible physical function measures and lifestyle factors among male manufacturing workers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 59 male workers from a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. LBP was defined as self-reported work-related LBP occurring at least once per week in the past month. Lifestyle factors and work posture were assessed using a questionnaire. Body composition, flexibility (straight leg raise [SLR] test and finger-floor distance [FFD]), muscle strength (hip, knee, and trunk), and physical performance (stand-up test) were also evaluated. After group comparisons, logistic regression analysis was performed with LBP status as the dependent variable and SLR, knee extension strength, exercise habits, and stand-up test scores as explanatory variables.
Results: Twenty-five workers (42.4%) reported experiencing LBP. In the logistic regression model, a greater SLR angle was associated with lower odds of LBP (odds ratio [OR] 0.29 per 5° increase; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11–0.77). Greater knee extension strength was associated with lower odds of LBP (OR 0.95 per 0.1 kgf/kg increase; 95% CI 0.92–0.99). Having an exercise habit was associated with lower odds of LBP (OR 0.04; 95% CI 0.01–0.68), and a higher stand-up test score was associated with lower odds of LBP (OR 0.30 per 1-point increase; 95% CI 0.11–0.79).
Conclusion: Flexibility, lower-limb strength, exercise habits, and stand-up test performance were associated with LBP and may be useful workplace-feasible assessment items for planning LBP prevention strategies. Owing to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships could not be inferred.
