Prevalence of Quadriceps Tightness and its Association with Low Back Pain among Female Medical University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Low back pain is a very common musculoskeletal issue among female university students, greatly affecting their academic performance and overall quality of life. Due to its anatomical connection to the front of the pelvis, the quadriceps muscle group is essential for preserving proper lumbopelvic alignment. When these muscles become tight, they cause an anterior pelvic tilt, which in turn increases lumbar lordosis and adds excessive mechanical strain to the lumbar spine. Objective: To determine the prevalence of quadriceps Tightness and its association with low back pain among female medical university students in Karachi. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study included 235 female medical university students aged 18–30 years, selected through convenience sampling. Subjects were randomly selected, informed about the study, and tested for quadriceps tightness using Ely's test, with knee flexion measured at the end of the test. Only students demonstrating quadriceps tightness were included sample size (n=235). Among these participants, the prevalence of low back pain was assessed using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ). Result: This study included 235 respondents, predominantly aged up to 25 years (97.9%), single (98.3%), and enrolled at Indus University (78.7%). Most participants weighed 40–55 kg (57.0%). Low back pain assessment revealed that mild disability was the most common condition (84.3%), followed by moderate disability (13.6%), while severe disability was rare (0.9%). Ely’s test showed a high prevalence of quadriceps tightness, with 90.64% positive cases. Correlation analysis demonstrated moderate positive associations between pain/disability and DHI items, particularly Q7 (r=0.520), Q22 (r=0.506), and Q24 (r=0.504). Ely’s test had a negligible correlation with pain/disability (r=0.08). Most associations were statistically insignificant (p>0.05), except weight and pain/disability (p=0.05). Reliability was good (Cronbach’s α=0.79), with no multicollinearity detected. Conclusion: This study concluded that Low back pain and mild disability were common among female medical students, with a high prevalence of quadriceps tightness. However, quadriceps tightness showed little association with pain or disability levels, indicating that low back pain is influenced by multiple factors.
DOI: 10.59075/sgj6n175
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7202185705