Association of Abnormal Foot Posture with Low Back Pain Severity and Functional Disability among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Areesha Jamil Riphah International University, Pakistan
  • Huma Anjum University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Anam Rehman University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v6i9.2045

Keywords:

Pes cavus; Foot Posture Index; Low back pain; University students; Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Variations in foot posture may influence lower-extremity biomechanics, but their relationship with low back pain in young university populations remains uncertain. Objective: To estimate the frequency of high-arched, pes-cavus-compatible foot posture and low back pain and examine the association between overall foot-posture category and low back pain intensity among university students. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study included 119 students recruited by convenience sampling at the University of Lahore. Foot posture was classified using the six-item Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), and low back pain was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Descriptive statistics, Wilson 95% confidence intervals, Pearson chi-square statistics, and Cramér's V were used. Results: Participants had a mean age of 22.02 ± 2.66 years, and 66 (55.5%) were female. Supinated or highly supinated posture was observed in 39 students (32.8%; 95% CI 25.0%–41.6%), while 73 (61.3%; 95% CI 52.4%–69.6%) reported low back pain. Mild, moderate, and severe pain affected 36 (30.3%), 23 (19.3%), and 14 (11.8%), respectively. The omnibus FPI-6–NPRS comparison yielded χ²(12)=199.407, asymptotic p<0.001, and Cramér's V=0.747; however, 10 of 20 expected cell counts were below five. Conclusion: Abnormal foot-posture categories and low back pain were frequent in this sample. The observed omnibus association requires cautious interpretation and does not establish a specific association between pes cavus and low back pain. Keywords: Pes cavus; Foot Posture Index; Low back pain; University students; Cross-sectional study.

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Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

Areesha Jamil, Huma Anjum, & Anam Rehman. (2026). Association of Abnormal Foot Posture with Low Back Pain Severity and Functional Disability among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 6(9), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v6i9.2045

Issue

Volume 6, Issue 9 (September 2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Areesha Jamil, Huma Anjum, Anam Rehman

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