1Department of Neurosciences, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Deemed to Be University, Karad. Email: janhavinkatrodia@gmail.com; ORCID: 0009-0007-7095-3156
2Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Email: mayuriburungale7@gmail.com; ORCID: 0000-0002-0326-1762
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Mayuri Shah, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Email: mayuriburungale7@gmail.com
Received: 16th Dec, 2025; Revised: 8th Feb 2026; Accepted: 12th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 28th Feb, 2026
Background Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal problems affecting physiotherapy students, who are routinely exposed to prolonged sitting, postural strain, and clinical handling tasks. These factors can contribute to kinetic chain dysfunction—an imbalance or restriction in the interconnected joints and muscles that support coordinated movement. Early recognition of such dysfunction is essential for prevention and for fostering better clinical understanding among future physiotherapists.
Materials and Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 202 physiotherapy students aged 18–25 years from Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Karad. Participants with spinal deformities, fractures, or congenital abnormalities were excluded. Data were collected using a structured Google-Form questionnaire that recorded demographic details, history of LBP, and awareness-related items on kinetic chain dysfunction. Pain-related disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the level of awareness was assessed through a 5-point Likert Awareness Scale 21. The study followed ethical approval protocols and maintained participant confidentiality. Data were analysed descriptively to determine frequency and percentage distributions.
Results A high prevalence of low back pain was observed, with 82.7% of respondents currently experiencing pain. Pain intensity was mainly mild to very mild, though functional limitations were noted in activities such as sitting (62.9%), standing (78.7%), and lifting (over 70%). Regarding awareness, 34.1% of students were moderately aware and 20.3% highly aware of kinetic chain dysfunction, while 29.7% reported minimal awareness. Although most students (around 80%) maintained normal social participation, more than half reported occasional sleep disturbances due to pain, indicating early kinetic chain imbalance despite good theoretical knowledge.
Conclusion Low back pain is highly prevalent among physiotherapy students, and many demonstrate only moderate awareness of its biomechanical links with kinetic chain dysfunction. The coexistence of mild functional disability and limited awareness highlights the need to reinforce kinetic-chain-based education, ergonomic training, and preventive movement screening within physiotherapy curricula. Early intervention and self-application of postural and core-stability principles may help reduce long-term musculoskeletal problems and enhance clinical proficiency.
Keywords: Kinetic chain biomechanics, awareness of movement system dysfunction, Oswestry disability index, musculoskeletal health, impairments.
How to cite this article: Katrodia JN, Shah M*, Awareness of Kinetic Chain Dysfunction associated with Low back pain among Physiotherapy students. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(2): 380-386; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.42
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None