Relationship Of Non-Specific Low Back Pain With Calcaneal Frontal Plane Position, Congruence Of Medial Longitudinal Arch, Disability, And Quality Of Life Among School Teachers Of Delhi Ncr: An Occupational Health Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Non-specific low back pain is a major occupational health concern for school teachers, with the potential to influence foot posture, functional disability, and QOL. The study investigates these associations among teachers in Delhi NCR to guide workplace health intervention.

Objectives: To assess the relationship between NSLBP and calcaneal frontal plane position, To test the relationship between NSLBP and congruence of the medial longitudinal arch, To study the relationship between NSLBP and disability, and To assess the effect of NSLBP pain on QOL.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 school teachers (78.1% female, and 29.1% male) from government and private schools. NSLBP was evaluated with the NPRS, foot posture with the FPI-6 for frontal plane position of the calcaneus and congruence of medial longitudinal arch, disability with the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and quality of life with SF-12.

Results: NSLBP had no significant relationship with calcaneal frontal plane position (p = 0.504) or medial longitudinal arch congruence (p = 0.910). There was a high positive correlation between NSLBP and disability (r = 0.681, p < 0.001). Moderate negative correlations were present with SF-12 PCS (r = -0.405, p < 0.01) and MCS (r = -0.284, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: NSLBP significantly contributes to disability and reduces QOL among school teachers but does not alter static foot posture. These results promote occupational health measures, such as ergonomic interventions and multidisciplinary care, to minimize the effects of NSLBP in school settings.