Does the performance of five back-associated exercises relate to the presence of low back pain? A cross-sectional observational investigation in regional Australian council workers

Objectives: investigate the relationships between the ability/inability to perform five physical test-exercises and the presence or absence of low back pain (LBP).
Setting: regional Australian council training facility.
Participants: consecutive participants recruited during 39 back education classes (8-26 participants per class) for workers in general office/administration, parks/gardens maintenance, roads maintenance, library, child-care and management. Total sample (n=539) was reduced through non-consent and insufficient demographic data to n=422. Age 38.6+/-15.3 years, range 18-64 years, 67.1% male.
Methods: cross-sectional, exploratory, observational investigation. LBP presence was ascertained from a three-response option questionnaire: 0=none/rarely (NO) 1=sometimes (Some), 2=mostly/always (Most). Statistical correlation was performed with the number of the five test-exercises the individual successfully performed: 1) extension-in-lying, 3-seconds; 2) ‘toilet-squat’; feet flat...