ABSTRACT
Background: The two major public health concerns that have enormous socio-economic as well as public health impact are smoking and LBP. Aim: To compare the effects of smoking on back extensor endurance. Methodology: 200, 100 smokers and 100 non-smokers, all males were taken within the age group of 30-50 years, and who have been smoking for the last 10 years or more. People with mechanical LBP and spinal pathology were excluded. These 200 subjects were included and divided into two groups. A(n=100 smokers)B (n=100 non-smokers).With adequate explanation and demonstration Seronson test was carried out to see the back extensor endurance time in two groups of subject. Data was obtained and smoking- index was correlated subsequently. BMI,VAS, SORENSON TEST. Were the outcome measures used. Results: 67 smokers and 31 non-smokers had low backache. The Sorenson time was significantly reduced in smokers with a mean endurance time of 44.89 and 96.39 in non-smokers. BMI is negatively related to Sorenson time and prolonged cough is a risk factor for low backache and also a dose- response relationship is found between the number of cigarettes / day and pain intensity. Conclusion: The back extensor endurance is reduced in smokers irrespective of backache. Increased BMI and cough is also associated with disabling low backache. Smoking index is positively related to back pain.