Background

Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) may be associated with breathing pattern disorders (BPD) and hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) as a precursor to cardiovascular diseases, hence increased disability and reduced quality of life. Particularly vulnerable to NSLBP development are females. Assessing the problem of BPD in this particular group may be pragmatic in primary care physiotherapy (PCPT).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate (i) the occurrence of HVS in females with NSLBP, (ii) differences between those with and without HVS, (iii) the relationship of HVS and (iv) BPD symptoms with age, body mass index (BMI), pain duration and intensity.

Material and methods

Female NSLBP patients attending PCPT were conveniently sampled. Age, BMI, pain duration and intensity and Nijmegen Questionnaire scores were analyzed. The t-Test for independent samples (ii) and Pearson correlation coefficient (iii and iv) were used, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results

Of the total sample (n = 87; age of 52.94 ± 11.17; BMI of 25.81 ± 4.31), 98.85% (n = 86) reported BPD-related symptoms. The occurrence of HVS was 37.20% (n = 32) and related to younger middle-aged females (p = 2.705) and those with higher pain intensity (p = -2.194). Other significant findings did not emerge.

Conclusions

HVS is present in more than a third of females with NSLBP, and its occurrence seems to be related to pain intensity and age. As generalizable, the findings can be applied to the PCPT context, identifying and treating BPDs and treatment, as well as focusing on pain as an HVS-related factor in NSLBP.