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International Journal of Physiotherapy and Allied Health SciencesIJPAHS · Published by Avyakt Pharma · www.ijpahs.com
Original Research · Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026)

Association of Body Mass Index and Pelvic Squaring with Pain Intensity among Individuals with Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mukeshpal Singh Jadon, Mumux Mirani

MPT Musculoskeletal Science, Surat, Gujarat, IndiaSPB Physiotherapy College, Surat, Gujarat, India

Corresponding author: Mukeshpal Singh Jadon — mukeshpalsinghphysio@gmail.com (ORCID 0009-0008-8486-0994)

Vol. 1 · Issue 1 · Pages 13–18Published: 18 July 2026Open Access · CC BY 4.0

Abstract

Background & Need of the Research: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and is shaped by a mix of biomechanical and anthropometric factors. Excess body weight raises spinal loading, and pelvic asymmetry, or pelvic squaring, disturbs posture and muscle balance in ways that can feed into LBP. Body mass index (BMI) and pelvic alignment have each been studied on their own, but few studies have looked at their combined association with pain intensity using an accessible tool such as Kinovea-based video analysis. Objective: To examine the association of BMI and pelvic squaring with pain intensity among individuals with non-specific low back pain. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 adults (25–50 years) with non-specific LBP. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Pelvic squaring was assessed through 2D video analysis in Kinovea, using reflective markers over the bilateral anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS). Pelvic obliquity angle was defined as the deviation of the ASIS line from a horizontal reference, with the mean of three trials recorded. Pain intensity was assessed with a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Results: Significant positive correlations were found between BMI and pain intensity (r = 0.32, p = 0.001), and between pelvic obliquity and pain intensity (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). Both variables independently predicted VAS scores (adjusted R² = 0.28, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher BMI and greater pelvic asymmetry are significantly associated with greater pain intensity in non-specific LBP. Addressing weight and pelvic alignment together may improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Keywords

low back pain, BMI, pelvic squaring, pain intensity, Kinovea

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