Influence of kinanthropometric characteristics on spinal health among Peruvian university students

Introduction: Spinal health is a fundamental aspect of quality of life for university students. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, and body composition can influence the onset of musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: To determine the influence of the kinanthropometric profile on spinal health in Peruvian university students. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 150 university students in their second to fifth year of physical therapy and rehabilitation at a national university in Lima, Peru. The kinanthropometric profile was assessed using the ISAK Protocol, and spinal health was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Oswestry Low Back Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires. Results: Endomorphic somatotype, fat percentage, and muscle mass percentage were found to be significantly associated with spinal disability (p < 0.05). Significant predictors of overall spinal disability were adiposity percentage (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.03–1.52; p = 0.025) and BMI (OR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.01–1.86; p = 0.042). For cervical disability, ectomorphic somatotype (OR = 4.86; 95%CI: 1.78–13.26; p = 0.002) and BMI (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.22–2.24; p = 0.001) were identified as significant predictors. Lumbar disability was predicted by muscle mass percentage (OR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.13–2.18; p = 0.007) and the acromio-iliac index (OR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.92–1.00; p = 0.043). Conclusion: This study shows that certain components of the kinanthropometric profile predict spinal health in university students.