Modulatory effect of sedentary behaviour on obesity and chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Objective To explore whether sedentary behaviour could modulate the association between overweight or obesity and chronic low back pain (CLBP). Design A retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting and participants A total of 4289 participants in the US cohort from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures CLBP was the outcome. Results After adjusting for confounding factors, an increased risk of CLBP was identified in people who were overweight (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.76) and obesity (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.18). No significant association between sedentary behaviour time and CLBP was observed. In body mass index (BMI)<25 kg/m2 vs BMI≥30 kg/m2 group, sedentary behaviour time showed a modulatory effect on obesity and CLBP (p=0.047). In the sedentary behaviour time >4.5 hours group, the risk of CLBP was increased as BMI elevation, indicating sedentary behaviour time >4.5 hours played a modulatory role in the relationship between obesity and CLBP. Conclusion Obesity was significantly associated with an increased risk of CLBP, and sedentary behaviour time modulated the association between obesity and CLBP. The findings might provide a reference for the lifestyle modifications among individuals with obesity and reducing sedentary behaviour is recommended for this population.