Core muscle endurance and psychosocial factors affecting functional mobility in chronic low back pain: cross-sectional results

Background The functional limitations associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP) are substantial and are highly correlated with core muscle endurance and psychosocial factors. Core muscle endurance is known to affect physical performance, whereas pain catastrophizing and fear avoidance beliefs can contribute to disability. A comprehensive understanding of the interrelated impact of these factors is critical for developing effective rehabilitative strategies. The study aimed to (1) examine the correlation between core muscle endurance and functional mobility in CLBP subjects and (2) explore the influence of psychosocial factors, pain catastrophizing, and fear-avoidance beliefs on that correlation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 adults; core muscle endurance was measured by plank, side-bridge, and back extensor tests. The timed up and go (TUG) and five times sit-to-stand test (5TSTS) were utilized to evaluate functional mobility. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Psychosocial factors were measured using the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ). Results Core muscle endurance measures were moderately correlated with functional mobility outcomes (TUG: r = −0.42 to −0.50, p < 0.05; 5TSTS: r = − 0.35 to −0.43, p < 0.05). Hierarchical regression showed muscle endurance accounted for 32% of the variance in mobility, while adding psychosocial factors increased the adjusted R 2 to 0.52 ( p < 0.05). High-psychosocial-risk subgroups analyzed within the study had poorer mobility (TUG: 9.45 ± 1.32 vs. 7.89 ± 1.21 s; p = 0.001). Conclusion Psychosocial factors and endurance of the core muscles in CLBP can significantly predict functional mobility. Integrating physical and psychological rehabilitation strategies might improve mobility outcomes, bolster human dignity, and enhance quality of life.