Prevalence of Hamstring and Iliotibial Band Tightness Associated with Low Back Pain and Disability Among Traffic Wardens

Background: Low back pain is a common occupational health problem that may impair physical function and work performance, particularly in traffic wardens exposed to prolonged standing, repetitive walking, and sustained postural loading. Reduced hamstring and iliotibial band flexibility may alter lumbopelvic mechanics and contribute to pain-related disability. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hamstring and iliotibial band tightness and assess their association with low back pain intensity and disability among traffic wardens. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 212 traffic wardens aged 30–50 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Hamstring tightness was assessed using the 90–90 straight leg raise test, iliotibial band tightness using Ober’s test, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with odds ratios calculated for clinically relevant associations. Results: Hamstring tightness was present in 136 participants (64.2%), while iliotibial band tightness was present in 84 participants (39.6%). Moderate pain was reported by 146 participants (68.9%) and severe pain by 46 (21.7%). Moderate disability was observed in 94 participants (44.3%), severe disability in 80 (37.7%), and complete disability in 12 (5.7%). Pain intensity was significantly associated with hamstring tightness (χ² = 12.67, p = 0.005), iliotibial band tightness (χ² = 13.66, p = 0.003), and Oswestry disability category (χ² = 41.76, p < 0.001). Participants with severe pain had higher odds of severe-to-complete disability (OR = 4.60, 95% CI: 2.25–9.42). Conclusion: Hamstring tightness was highly prevalent and iliotibial band tightness was moderately prevalent among traffic wardens with low back pain. Greater pain intensity was significantly associated with lower-limb tightness and higher disability, supporting the need for routine flexibility screening and targeted occupational rehabilitation