Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent health concern worldwide, impacting individuals’ quality of life. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) serves as a crucial tool in assessing the functional disability associated with LBP. However, normative scores and cutoff values for ODI specific to the Pakistani population remain understudied. This study aims to establish normative scores and cutoff values for ODI in Pakistani individuals experiencing lower back pain, both with and without associated disability. Aim: The primary objective of this research is to determine normative scores and cutoff values for the Oswestry Disability Index in Pakistani patients with lower back pain. The study aims to differentiate between those with and without disability, providing valuable insights into the functional impact of LBP in this specific population. Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted, involving a representative sample of Pakistani individuals presenting with lower back pain. Participants will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index, and demographic and clinical data will be collected. Statistical analyses, including mean calculation, standard deviation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, will be employed to establish normative scores and cutoff values. Results: The study anticipates generating normative scores for the Oswestry Disability Index in the Pakistani population, distinguishing between those with and without disability. The results will provide valuable benchmarks for clinicians in evaluating the impact of lower back pain on functional ability in this specific demographic. Conclusion: This research contributes essential normative data for the Oswestry Disability Index in Pakistani individuals with lower back pain. The established cutoff values will facilitate a more accurate assessment of disability levels, aiding healthcare professionals in designing targeted interventions for patients experiencing LBP in this population.
Keywords: Lower back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, normative scores, cutoff values, Pakistani population, functional disability, cross-sectional study, healthcare assessment, quality of life, musculoskeletal disorders.