ABSTRACT

Introduction: Numerous studies suggest a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the number of adolescents with lumbar pain. Spinal mobility and core stability are factors associated with the occurrence of lumbar pain.

Aim: The aim of the pilot study was to determine the relationship between physical activity levels, spinal mobility and torso stability.

Materials and methods: The paper presents the results of a pilot study conducted in a randomly selected group of 12 graduates of the Medical School in Rijeka. Physical activity, core mobility, and core stability were measured because these three parameters have been associated with low back pain in numerous studies. The pilot- study used a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the following methods of physiotherapy assessment: measurement of torso lateroflexion by goniometric mobile application Goniometer Pro, modified Schober test and unilateral hip bridge endurance test (UHBE test).

Results: The results of the IPAQ questionnaire showed that there was no group with low physical activity in the study group. In the comparison of the amount of time the respondents spend sitting with the level of physical activity, no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.185). A statistically significant correlation was found between lateroflexion and participation in high (r = 0.67, p = 0.025) and moderate physical activity (r = - 0.62, p = 0.043) and participation in high physical activity and UHBE test = 0.72, p = 0.013).

Conclusion: Physical activity is necessary for the health and stability of the trunk and mobility of the spine in the prevention of lumbar pain, and further research into these parameters in the school population is necessary.

Key words: adolescents, lumbar pain, physical activity, core mobility, core stability