This study aimed to compare functional capacity tests between individuals with and without chronic non-specific low back pain and to investigate the effects of demographic data on functional capacity tests.
Thirty individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) and thirty healthy individuals underwent three functional capacity tests comprising functional reach test (FRT), five-time sit to stand test (5 TSST), and two-minute step test (2 MST). CNSLBP were assessed in pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS) and disability level using the modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ) Thai version.
The results found significant differences in five-time sit to stand and two-minute step tests between individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain and healthy individuals. The mean differences between healthy and CNSLBP for the 5 TSST were −3.24 seconds (95% CI=−4.47–−2.02) and for the 2 MST they were 13.13 steps (95% CI=2.62–23.64). Age significantly influenced the 5 TSST ( P=0.004) and 2 MST ( P=0.008), while gender ( P=0.028) and height ( P=0.002) affected the FRT.