What are the range, dispersion and central tendencies of participant body mass indices reported in randomised controlled trials into non-specific low back pain? A Structured Literature Review.
Item
- Title
- What are the range, dispersion and central tendencies of participant body mass indices reported in randomised controlled trials into non-specific low back pain? A Structured Literature Review.
- Author(s)
- Popoks, A
- Abstract
- Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Body Mass Index (BMI) is considered by some a risk factor and predictor of NSLBP; however research findings are conflicting. Understanding how excessive body weight, body composition and pain are related is important for improved clinical practice. Objective: To review and critically appraise the most recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) looking at NSLBP to determine the range, dispersion and central tendencies of participant body mass indices. Design: Structured literature review. Methods: The search of five databases was carried out using appropriate search terms with Boolean logic. RCTs published between 2018-20 were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were summarised into tables and analysed using SORT and CEBM. Results: Fourteen articles selected, eight of which were based on good quality evidence and were graded as 1A and 1b in accordance with SORT and CEBM. A correlation coefficient of RCT derived BMI and VAS pain values showed a value of r = -0.101. BMI showed a mean of 25.8 ± 2.4 kg/m2, a median of 25.3 kg/m2, a mode of 25.8 kg/m2 and a range of 10.97 kg/m2. Discussion: None of the RCTs made any reference to suggested links between BMI/fat mass index and links with NSLBP. The range of 10.97Kg/m2 is narrow as the reported BMI measures did not include extreme groups. Correlation between BMI and VAS values is extremely weak and negative. This contradicts published research probably due to the collection of the present data from a number of differing studies that had used differing methodologies. Conclusion: The results of present study did not support a positive link between BMI and NSLBP and none of the RCTs made any reference to such a link. However other recent studies suggest BMI is playing a role in NSLBP. A definitive study is needed to guide future clinical research and practice in addressing the whole issue of the validity of measures of obesity in relation to pain in general.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2020
- Date Submitted
- 28.10.2020 18:08:19
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16684
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Low back pain, non-specific low back pain, low back ache, randomised controlled trial.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Popoks, A, “What are the range, dispersion and central tendencies of participant body mass indices reported in randomised controlled trials into non-specific low back pain? A Structured Literature Review.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/171