Differences in the respiratory function of female university students with and without non-specific chronic low back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated differences in respiratory function between female university students with and without recurrent non-specific low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Seventeen female university students with non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP group) and 17 healthy female university students (healthy group) participated in this study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (%FVC), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, chest and abdominal wall mobility (breathing movement scale), and abdominal wall mobility during a leg raise were measured. [Results] FVC, %FVC, the scale values for the upper and lower chest wall mobility, and the scale values for abdominal wall mobility during a leg raise were significantly lower in the LBP group than in the healthy group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that non-specific chronic low back pain may be associated with decreased FVC related to chest and abdominal wall mobility of female university students.