Volume 22, Issue 1 (2025)
ioh 2025, 22(1): 347-361 |
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Bijan Nejad D, Asadi Fard Y, Heidarimoghadam A, Molavynejad S. Correlation between Age, Sex, Height, and BMI with Lumbar Lordosis using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ioh 2025; 22 (1) : 20
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3743-en.html
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3743-en.html
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. , usef.fard@yahoo.com
Abstract: (348 Views)
Background and aims: Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, significantly affecting quality of life. Lumbar lordosis, as a contributing factor to low back pain, requires a thorough investigation of its associated determinants. This study aimed to examine the relationship between age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) with lumbar lordosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients with low back pain (aged 22–64 years) who referred to an imaging center were recruited through sequential sampling. Demographic data were obtained via questionnaires and medical records, and BMI was calculated based on standard protocols using measured weight and height. Using T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans, lumbar lordosis parameters—including lumbar lordosis angle, lumbar index, vertebral height and depth—were measured. The sample size was determined based on previous similar MRI-based studies, and with 100 participants the statistical power was considered sufficient to detect significant differences (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean lumbar lordosis angle was significantly higher in women (51.6°) compared to men (43.4°) (p < 0.05). Obesity was identified as an independent contributing factor to increased lumbar lordosis in both sexes. Participants who were overweight exhibited significantly greater lordosis than those with normal weight (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between age and lumbar lordosis in both genders (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Gender, obesity, and age are key factors associated with increased lumbar lordosis. Weight management, especially in women, along with early screening in high-risk populations, may serve as effective preventive strategies. Future research should investigate occupational, lifestyle, and physical activity factors as well as parity in women as potential modifiers of lumbar curvature.
Results: The mean lumbar lordosis angle was significantly higher in women (51.6°) compared to men (43.4°) (p < 0.05). Obesity was identified as an independent contributing factor to increased lumbar lordosis in both sexes. Participants who were overweight exhibited significantly greater lordosis than those with normal weight (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between age and lumbar lordosis in both genders (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Gender, obesity, and age are key factors associated with increased lumbar lordosis. Weight management, especially in women, along with early screening in high-risk populations, may serve as effective preventive strategies. Future research should investigate occupational, lifestyle, and physical activity factors as well as parity in women as potential modifiers of lumbar curvature.
Article number: 20
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Physical agents at work
Received: 2025/05/5 | Accepted: 2025/09/8 | Published: 2025/03/30
Received: 2025/05/5 | Accepted: 2025/09/8 | Published: 2025/03/30
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