Factors Associated with Low Back Pain in Coffee Pickers from Chinchiná and Palestina (Colombia)

Abstract

Objective. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain and associated risk factors among coffee pickers. Methods. The participants completed a survey and underwent tests to determine flexibility and V̇ O2max. Results. Among 98 coffee pickers with an average age of 44.7 (±13.7), 58.2% had experienced low back pain. The average duration and intensity of low back pain in the patients were 6.0 ± 6.5 years and 47.1 ± 21.0 mm/100 mm respectively. The average values of body fat and V̇ O2max were 13.2 ± 2.8% y 32.5 ± 8.6 ml.kg-1.min-1 respectively. Regression analysis showed that for a higher V̇ O2max value decreased the probability of experiencing low back pain, while a higher body fat content increased the probability of suffering from low back pain. Conclusions. There is a high prevalence of low back pain among coffee pickers from Chinchiná and Palestina. Higher body fat content increases the likelihood of experiencing lumbar pain, while elevated levels of V̇ O2max decrease it.