The Relationship Between Back Pain and Sedentary Lifestyles and Sports Among University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.71(2).18Keywords:
back pain, students, sitting posture, physical activityAbstract
Introduction: Back pain is increasingly prevalent among university students and is commonly associated with sedentary behavior, prolonged sitting, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of back pain among university students and to examine its association with sedentary lifestyle characteristics, specifically sitting posture and physical activity level. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 87 university students (M = 23.10 years). Data was collected on back pain occurrence over the past three months, sitting posture habits, sitting time, and physical activity. Physical activity was categorized using MET-minutes based on frequency, duration, and intensity. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and effect size measures. Results: Back pain prevalence was 78.2%, significantly exceeding the hypothesized 50% threshold (p < 0.001). A significant, moderate association was found between incorrect sitting posture and back pain (φ = -0.358, p = 0.009), with pain occurring predominantly among participants reporting poor posture. No statistically significant relationship was observed between physical activity level and either the presence or frequency of back pain Conclusions: The findings suggest that sitting posture may play a critical role in back pain development among university students next to physical activity volume. Preventive strategies should therefore integrate ergonomic education and posture awareness alongside physical activity promotion.
Article history: Received 2026 March 18; Revised 2026 May14; Accepted 2026 May 16; Available online 2026 June 30; Available print 2026 July 30
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