Introduction: Clinical lumbar instability (CLI) is one of the subgroups of chronic non-specific
low back pain. Thai rice farmers often have poor sustained postures during a rice planting process
and start their farming at an early age. However, individual associated factors of CLI are
not known and have rarely been diagnosed in low back pain. This study aimed to determine the
prevalence and individual associated factors of CLI in Thai rice farmers.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 323 Thai rice farmers in a rural area
of Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using the 13-item
Delphi criteria questionnaire, after which an objective examination was performed using aberrant
movement sign, painful catch sign, and prone instability test to obtain information. Individual
factors such as sex, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, smoking, and number of years of farming
experience, were recorded during the face-to-face interview.
Results: The prevalence of CLI in Thai rice farmers calculated by the method described in
this study was 13% (age 44±10 years). Number of years of farming experience was found to be
significantly correlated with the prevalence of CLI (adjusted odds ratio =2.02, 95% confidence
interval =1.03–3.98, P,0.05).
Conclusion: This study provides prevalence of CLI in Thai rice farmers. Those with long-term
farming experience of at least 30 years have a greater risk of CLI.
Keywords: Delphi study, aberrant movement sign, painful catch sign, prone instability test