Body adiposity and low back pain in older women: evidence from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Resumo

Introduction: Low back pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition in the elderly population, with significant implications for health and quality of life. Overweight and obesity are associated with musculoskeletal changes, among other chronic health problems. Objective: To evaluate the association between body composition and low back pain in elderly women. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed using anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The prevalence of low back pain and sample characteristics were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Student’s t test were used to compare mean values. Results: The study included 288 elderly women, of whom 147 (51%) reported low back pain. Women with low back pain had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), and percentage of total body fat, as well as higher fat accumulation in the android region and upper limbs. Conclusions: An association was observed between excess body weight, adiposity, and the presence of low back pain in elderly women, indicating that these factors are relevant for assessment and management in this population.