Background

Back pain is a common musculoskeletal discomfort seen in physiotherapists. Musculoskeletal performance assessment is critical for decreasing injury risk.The objective of the study was to evaluate back range of motion (ROM), strength, endurance and hamstring flexibility of physiotherapy students.

Methodology

An observational study was conducted on 150 Physiotherapy students aged 18–24 years selected using convenience sampling. Modified Modified Schober test was used for assessing back flexion and extension ROM. Manual Muscle testing (MMT) was done to assess strength of upper and lower trunk flexors and extensors. Endurance of trunk extensor muscles was found by Sorenson’s test and endurance of trunk flexor muscles by holding time of prone forearm plank position. Active knee extension (AKE) test was used to measure hamstring flexibility. Presence of low back pain and physical activity levels were also taken.

Results

Mean back flexion range was(6.84+1.54)cm, back extension range was(3.52+1.19)cm. Median MMT of upper back flexorswas 4, lower back flexors was 3, upper back extensors was 4 and  lower back extensors was 3. Mean back flexor endurance by holding time was(58.73+36.25)sec, mean back extensor endurance was(93+46.01)sec. Mean hamstring flexibility right was (149.59+13.81) degrees and left was (150.94+13.4) degrees.

Conclusion

Trunk flexibility was within normal limits. Strength and Hamstring flexibility on both sides was found to be less than normal. Endurance was found to be below average. This implicates development of low back pain among physiotherapists, as at a young age there is a decreased endurance of trunk muscles and hamstrings tightness.Therapists need to take steps to prevent future back pain.