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ARTICLE TYPE : RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published on :   10 Aug 2026, Volume - 2
Journal Title :   WebLog Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil | WJPTR
Journal ISSN:   3071-401X
Source URL:   weblog icon https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjptr.2026.h1006
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :   doi icon https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22068681

Lumbar Flexibility and Chronic Low Back Pain Prevalence in Regular Versus Irregular Salah Performers: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Mixed-Gender Adults

S. Raffiq Ali 1
P. Muthukrishnan 2 *
1B.P.T, Department of Physiotherapy, Devendra Collage of Physiotherapy, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
2M.PT (Ortho), Ph. D, Associate Professor, of Physiotherapy, Sri Venkateshwara University (deemed as a University), Ettyapuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) ranks among the leading causes of years lived with disability globally, with habitual physical inactivity identified as a principal modifiable risk factor. Daily Islamic prayer (Salah) involves a structured sequence of spinal flexion, extension, and postural loading that is mechanically distinct from sedentary behaviour and may exert protective effects on lumbar health. The extent to which regular Salah practice is associated with superior lumbar flexibility and reduced LBP burden in the general adult population has not been systematically quantified using validated clinical instruments.

Objectives: To compare lumbar flexibility and the prevalence and severity of chronic low back pain between adult males and females categorised as regular or irregular Salah performers.

Methods: Sixty mixed-gender adults (aged 20-45 years; 30 regular performers, 30 irregular performers) were enrolled in a comparative cross-sectional study. Lumbar flexibility was quantified using the Modified Schober Test (MST) and the Fingertip-to-Floor Test (FTFT). Pain severity and functional disability attributable to LBP were assessed with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Between-group comparisons were conducted using independent-samples t-tests and chi-square tests where appropriate (α=0.05), with effect magnitude reported as Cohen’s d.

Results: Regular Salah performers demonstrated significantly greater lumbar flexion on the MST (5.8±0.7 cm vs. 4.1±0.9 cm; p<0.001; d = 2.13) and shorter FTFT reach distance (7.4±2.1 cm vs. 14.2±3.3 cm; p<0.001; d=2.47). Current LBP prevalence was significantly lower in regular performers (23.3% vs. 60.0%; p=0.003). NPRS (2.1±1.4 vs. 5.3±1.8; p<0.001; d=2.02) and ODI scores (12.4±6.1 vs. 28.7±9.3; p<0.001; d=2.13) were similarly lower in Group A. Findings were consistent across males and females within each group.

Conclusion: Regular Salah practice is independently associated with superior lumbar flexibility and substantially lower LBP prevalence and disability in mixed-gender adults. The magnitude of these associations is large and clinically meaningful, supporting the integration of Salah-awareness into physiotherapy assessment and population-level spinal health promotion.

Keywords: Salah; Islamic Prayer; Lumbar Flexibility; Low Back Pain; Schober Test; Oswestry Disability Index; Lumbopelvic Mobility; Musculoskeletal Health; Mixed-Gender

Citation

Raffiq Ali S, Muthukrishnan P. Lumbar Flexibility and Chronic Low Back Pain Prevalence in Regular Versus Irregular Salah Performers: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Mixed-Gender Adults. WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil. wjptr.2026.h1006. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22068681
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