GENDER DIFFERENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE, QUALITY OF LIFE AND TRUNK MUSCLE ENDURANCE IN PHYSICAL THERAPISTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN

Background: Low back pain has a profound impact on work ability and quality of life. Reduced trunk muscle endurance can be a cause or a consequence of low back pain. Objective: the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gender on trunk muscle endurance, occupational performance, and quality of life in physical therapists with non-specific low back pain. Study Design: descriptive, cross-sectional study in a clinical setting. Methods: researchers recruited ninety-seven (F= 55, M= 42) physical therapists with non-specific low back pain for this study. Population?s mean ?SD age and body mass index were 25.04 ? 2 years, and 24.57 ? 2.93 kg/m? respectively. Researchers assessed trunk muscle endurance using McGill and Biering-S?rensen endurance testing. They conducted a self-reported Occupational Role Performance questionnaire to assess occupational performance. Researchers used the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey to assess quality of life. They used T-test and Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate difference between genders. Results: Trunk endurance times were significantly lower in females than in males (p = 0.0001). Scores of Occupational Role Performance questionnaire were significantly higher in females (p = 0.001), while there was a significant decrease in quality of life scores of females compared with that of males (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Female Physical Therapists with non-specific low back pain have lower scores of trunk muscle endurance, occupational performance, and quality of life. Results should be considered in assessment and management approaches to improve functional ability and quality of life