Leg Length Discrepancy in College Students and Its Association with Low Back Pain: a Preliminary Study

Abstract

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a condition in which lower extremities have a diff erent length. The discrepancy can cause functional dysfunction and health problem. Low back pain (LBP) is one of a health problem associated with LLD. The prevalence of LBP in young people increases over time. This study aimed to evaluate the association between LLD and LBP in college students. This cross-sectional study involved 75 (40 female) students of Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya. Height, weight, and BMI were measured and calculated. True leg length was measured three times using tape measurement in the supine position. The LLD was defi ned as the diff erence of 10 mm or more. Numeric data between LLD vs no LLD were compared using independent samples of the t-test. The association between LLD, LBP, and other variables were evaluated using chi-square. A p-value <0.05 was set as statistically signifi cant. Statistics analysis was computed using SPSS (ver. 17). Leg length discrepancy and LBP were found in 31 (22 female) and 36 (22 female), respectively. Among those with LBP, 16 were LLD (44.4%). No association was found between LBP and LLD (p=0.548), BMI (p=0.518), and gender (p=0.164). Gender was associated with LLD (OR 3.53, 95%CI 1.32 - 9.42, p=0.010). Only 5 (13.9%) of aff ected LBP experienced dysfunctional state. There is no relationship between LLD, gender, BMI and LBP in students of the Faculty of Medicine. Female have a higher risk of LLD.

Keywords

• Leg Length Discrepancy
• Low Back Pain
• Students’ College
• Gender Diff erent
• Body Mass Index