Which of the following is a physiological contributing factor to low back injuries?

Age is a significant physiological contributing factor to low back injuries due to the natural degenerative changes that occur in the spine and surrounding tissues as individuals get older. With age, the intervertebral discs can lose hydration and elasticity, leading to a decrease in their shock-absorbing capabilities. Additionally, the ligaments and muscles may become stiffer, which can reduce support and flexibility. This combination of factors can make older individuals more susceptible to low back pain and injury.

While obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and health-related issues such as hydration do impact overall physical health and may contribute indirectly to back problems, they are not strictly physiological changes that occur with age. Instead, they are lifestyle and health factors that can influence an individual's risk. In contrast, the physiological changes associated with aging provide a clear link to the increased likelihood of experiencing low back injuries among older adults.