Clinical Tests and Functional Capacity in Office Workers With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain Between Mild and Moderate Pain Intensity: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the clinical tests and functional capacity based on mild and moderate pain intensity in the office workers with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Methods: Eighty participants, divided into mild and moderate pain groups based on pain intensity (40 each group), were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Passive lumbar extension test (PLET) and straight leg raising (SLR) were assessed as the clinical tests. The five-time sit-to-stand (5STS) and two-minute step test (TMST) were measured as the functional capacity tests. The Mann–Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for between-group comparisons. Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that the office workers with NSCLBP in both mild and moderate pain groups had similar results in degrees of SLR and positive results of PLET, as well as in 5STS and TMST (p value > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggested that the severity of NSCLBP described as mild or moderate pain intensity could not differentiate PLET, SLR, 5STS, and TMST. Individuals with NSCLBP also have positive results in clinical and functional tests. Therefore, PLET, SLR, and functional capacity should be tested in both mild and moderate NSCLBP.