Clinical assessment of functional disability is an integral part of management in patients with low back pain (LBP). The range of spinal motion is one of LBP disability measure. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of spinal range of motion as a predictable measure of disability and to analyze the intrarater reliability of back range of motion (BROM) instrument for measurement of active lumber spine range of motion. Forty men patients with chronic low back pain over 6 month's duration were participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 20 to 40 years. Lumber range of motion was measured with BROM device and disability was evaluated by self reported Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation, multiple regression analysis models and ICC. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a highly significant moderate to good relation between forward trunk flexion and RMDQ score (rho = -0.59, p < 0.001). While there was a weak correlation between trunk extensions, lateral trunk flexion and trunk rotation with the RMDQ scores (p > 0.05). The main predictors of disability were forward and lateral trunk flexion. Furthermore, intrarater reliability for forward trunk flexion was good (ICC, 0.84), for extension was high (ICC, 0.91), for rotation was good (ICC range, 0.86-0.88), and for lateral flexion was good (ICC range, 0.81-0.82). It was suggested that spinal ROM do not appear to be a valid measure for prediction of the functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders significantly affect healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists, due to the physical demands of their work. The link between physical ailments and psychological distress is especially prominent in clinical settings. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of work-related low back pain (LBP), stress, anxiety, and depression among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia, and to identify associated local risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling included 710 licensed physiotherapists across Saudi Arabia. Participants completed an online survey containing demographic data and the validated measures, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) for psychological distress. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation, and regression analyses. Results: Of 710 responses, 697 were valid; 378 physiotherapists reported work-related LBP. The mean pain intensity was 4.6 (SD = 1.6), with 54.2% experiencing moderate to severe disability. Mental health results showed 49.7% had depressive symptoms and 33.9% experienced some level of anxiety. Significant correlations were observed between disability and psychological distress (anxiety: r = 0.382; depression: r = 0.375; stress: r = 0.406; all p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated psychological distress significantly predicted disability, with R² values ranging from 0.125 to 0.248, being higher among inpatient physiotherapists. Conclusions: This study reveals a high prevalence of LBP and psychological distress among Saudi physiotherapists, with stress being the strongest predictor of LBP severity. Integrated ergonomic and mental health interventions, including workplace wellness programs and psychological support, are recommended to reduce risks and promote a healthier, more sustainable physiotherapy workforce.

Reduced microcirculation is a morbid element of neuropathy and one of the most common complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Many physical modalities have gained a considerable attention for enhancing cutaneous microcirculation in diabetic patients and prevent its serious complications. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to compare between the effect of low intensity laser therapy (LILT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on microcirculation in diabetic neuropathy. Thirty diabetic polyneuropathic patients ranged in age from 45–60 years participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of equal number; patients in group (A) received LILT on plantar surface of foot with a dose of 3 J / cm 2 and wavelength (904 nm), while those in group (B) received TENS on lower leg for 30 minutes with frequency (2 HZ). Treatment was conducted 3 times/week for 6 weeks. The cutaneous microcirculation was evaluated by Laser Doppler flowmetry at the baseline and at the end of treatment. Results revealed that group (A) showed statistically significant increase in the cutaneous microcirculation compared with group (B). So, it was concluded that LILT has to be more efficient than TENS in increasing cutaneous microcirculation in patients with diabetic neuropathy.