Effect of upper back pain on respiratory indices in college going students.

BACKGROUND: The connection between upper back discomfort and college-bound students' respiratory indices is a topic of growing attention in the disciplines of respiratory physiology and musculoskeletal health. Though a lot of study has been done on how posture and ergonomics affect musculoskeletal discomfort in different populations, less thought has been given to how these characteristics can affect respiratory function, especially in young adults who are enrolled in academic settings. AIM: To evaluate the effect of upper back pain on respiratory indices in college-going students. METHODOLOGY: Students were informed and educated about the study and its relevance. Those who consented to participate were included in the study. A total of 152 students with upper back pain were assessed and evaluated out of which 12 were excluded as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Students were then thoroughly assessed for thoracolumbar range of motion, PEFR, Chest Expansion, Respiratory rate, etc. The data obtained was then analysed by using SPSS software version 20. RESULT: The results showed that there was a positive correlation between VAS and PEFR. Along with this, a negative correlation was seen between the respiratory rate and thoracolumbar range of motion in the patients suffering from upper back pain. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that upper back pain leads to respiratory system compromise. Posture correction and timely rehab can not only reduce the pain but also can avoid long-term respiratory complications. Keywords: PEFR, ROM, VAS, RR, flexion, movements, pain.

研究背景：上背部不适与在读大学生呼吸指标之间的关联，已成为呼吸生理学与肌肉骨骼健康领域日益受到关注的研究课题。尽管已有大量研究探讨了不同人群中姿势与人体工程学对肌肉骨骼不适的影响，但针对此类因素对呼吸功能的影响的研究相对匮乏，尤其是针对校园就读的青年群体。
研究目的：评估上背部疼痛对在读大学生呼吸指标的影响。
研究方法：本研究先向学生介绍研究内容与研究意义，自愿参与并签署知情同意书者纳入研究。最终共纳入152名存在上背部疼痛的学生，依据纳入排除标准剔除12名后，对剩余受试者进行全面评估，检测指标包括胸腰椎活动度（thoracolumbar range of motion, ROM）、峰流速（Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, PEFR）、胸围差、呼吸频率（respiratory rate, RR）等。采用SPSS 20.0软件对获取的数据进行统计分析。
研究结果：结果显示，视觉模拟评分法（Visual Analogue Scale, VAS）与PEFR呈正相关；同时，上背部疼痛受试者的RR与胸腰椎活动度呈负相关。
研究结论：本研究证实，上背部疼痛可导致呼吸系统功能受损。姿势矫正与及时的康复干预不仅能够缓解疼痛，还可预防远期呼吸系统并发症的发生。
关键词：PEFR、ROM、VAS、RR、屈曲、运动、疼痛