The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sitting Duration and the Incidence of Low Back Pain

Wendy Hendrika; Marcello Denito; Erica Gilda Simanjuntak

doi:10.55606/ijhs.v6i2.7152

Authors

Wendy Hendrika Universitas Kristen Indonesia
Marcello Denito Universitas Kristen Indonesia
Erica Gilda Simanjuntak Universitas Kristen Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55606/ijhs.v6i2.7152

Keywords:

Low Back Pain, Medical Students, Musculoskeletal Disorder, Physical Activity, Sitting Duration

Abstract

Medical students are at high risk for musculoskeletal issues due to heavy academic workloads and prolonged sedentary habits. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity intensity, sitting duration, and the incidence of low back pain (LBP) among students at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, in 2025. An analytical observational research method with a cross-sectional design was employed. A sample of 104 participants was selected using simple random sampling, and data were collected through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The findings revealed that 51.9% of respondents experienced LBP, with 76.9% of students sitting for more than seven hours daily and 55.8% maintaining low physical activity levels. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test demonstrated a significant correlation between prolonged sitting duration and LBP incidence (p = 0.021). Conversely, physical activity levels showed no significant association with the occurrence of LBP (p = 0.984). In conclusion, excessive sitting duration is a primary risk factor for LBP in medical students, while physical activity levels do not directly influence its occurrence in this population. These results suggest an urgent need for ergonomic education and the promotion of active lifestyles to mitigate spinal health issues.

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