Comparative Analysis of Functional Disability and Lumbar Movement Patterns in Acute vs. Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:Low back pain (LBP) remains one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal complaints across the world. This condition often leads to activity restriction and may negatively influence overall quality of life. It is important to distinguish between functional deficits in the acute and chronic forms of these physiological sequelae to enable more effective rehabilitation and further clinical management.Objective: To evaluate lumbar movement patterns and functional impairment using standardized clinical assessment toolsin individuals withacute and chronic low back pain.Methods:The comparative cross-sectional study included 50 participants, with 25 in the acute low back pain (LBP) group and 25 in the chronic LBP group. Various outcome measures were used, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), lumbar range of motion (ROM) measured using a goniometer, and a composite score for functional movement assessment. The t-test for independent samples was applied in the between-group comparison. In all three pain scale scores (VAS, ODI, RMDQ), higher values signify more movement restriction. In the lumbar ROM, a higher score indicates movement restriction.Results: Patients with chronic LBP showed significantly greater pain intensity (VAS: 6.92 ± 3.04 vs. 5.24 ± 1.61; p = 0.018), more functional disability (ODI: 23.84 ± 7.80 vs.17.96 ± 5.79; p = 0.004), and higher scores at RMDQ (12.24 ± 3.06 VS 9.92 ± 3.40; P = 0.015) than patients with acute LBP group compare to Acute LBP group. The patients in the chronic LBP group had higher ROM statistical scores (10.32 ± 2.82 vs. 8.56 ± 2.72; p = 0.030), suggesting greater restriction of lumbar mobility in the chronic group than in those with acute LBP. Higher ROM scores reflect increased mobility impairment. The composite functional movement score differed significantly between groups (p = 0.003).Conclusion: Patients suffering from chronic LBP have shown significantly greater pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar mobility restriction compared to those suffering from acute LBP.

Keywords: low back pain; functional disability; range of motion; Oswestry Disability Index; Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire; Visual Analog Scale.