Has the COVID-19 outbreak altered the prevalence of low back pain among physiotherapy students?

To evaluate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 lockdown in the State of Israel. One hundred and sixty four physiotherapy students from all four-year student levels were invited to participate. One hundred and thirty-seven students (83.5%) were recruited in the study with 79 females (57.7%) and 58 males (42.3%). We used a structured anonymous questionnaire that sought standard information on age, height, weight, sports activity and low back pain (LBP) prevalence during three periods. No significant differences were noted in the prevalence of LBP between the lockdown period compared to 12-month period in all four-year levels. More so, our findings showed that LBP prevalence among physiotherapy students was greater during the 12-month period compared to the lifetime period. This study indicates that COVID-19 lockdown has no negative impact on the prevalence of LBP among physiotherapy students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]