High prevalence of low back pain among young basketball players with lower extremity pain: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem among young basketball players in addition to lower extremity injuries. However, studies that focus on LBP with lower extremity pain are limited. From the perspective of the kinematic chain, disrupted lower extremity function can lead to LBP. The association between these two symptoms in basketball players, however, has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the association between lower extremity pain and LBP among young basketball players. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on school-aged basketball players (n = 592). Information regarding their sporting activities was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Musculoskeletal pain such as low back, knee, and ankle pain was assessed. The sports players with knee and/or ankle pain were defined as having lower extremity pain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between lower extremity pain and LBP. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. The associations of knee or ankle pain with LBP were similarly assessed. Results School-aged basketball players had a point prevalence of 12.8% for LBP. Compared with the players without lower extremity pain, the players with lower extremity pain had higher rates of LBP, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 6.21 (3.57–10.80). There was also a significant association of knee and ankle pain with LBP. Compared with the players without knee or ankle pain, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for LBP were 4.25 (2.55–7.07) in the players with knee pain and 3.79 (2.26–6.36) in the players with ankle pain. Conclusions Lower extremity pain was associated with LBP among school-aged basketball players. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of this association, which will provide useful information for prevention and treatment of LBP among young basketball players.

The Potential Role of Hamstring Extensibility on Sagittal Pelvic Tilt, Sagittal Spinal Curves and Recurrent Low Back Pain in Team Sports Players: A Gender Perspective Analysis

“…Previous systematic reviews have reported that the prevalence of LBP in these athletes ranges from 17% to 94% [1,2]. Specifically, the prevalence of LBP in past 12 months has been reported from 6.5% to 47% in soccer players [3][4][5] and from 12.8% to 44% in basketball players [6][7][8]. A previous episode of LBP is often predictive of future back injury [9], which will affect sports participation and performance [9].…”

Musculoskeletal disorders in basketball players and associated factors: a systematic review protocol with meta-analysis

“…1 Pain is an important warning signal for the body that something is wrong, 5 and back pain is a common problem in athletes. [6][7][8][9] According to a study of 590 basketball athletes, 12.9% reported low back pain. 10 In many cases, pain can even prevent subjects from performing daily activities.…”

Incidence, prevalence and risk factors for low back pain in adolescent athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Of the included studies, 33 studies (reported in 42 papers)21 25 30 33 39 40 43–45 48–83 scored above 65% on the quality appraisal tool, indicating high quality (online supplemental table 4). Only 16 studies (reported in 20 papers) described reasons for non-response or compared the sample and target population,17 26 32 39 40 48 50 54 56–62 69 77 79 84 85 though this criterion was only applicable to 63 studies. Of the five studies that included interviews, one used a validated, reproducible or adequately described interview format 62.…”

“…Of the 13 studies that included a clinical examination, 4 used a validated, reproducible or adequately described examination method,22 32 35 68 such as the use of a standardised pro forma for injury reporting. Only 38 studies had a precise anatomic location of back pain or reference to an easily attainable article that contained a precise location 25 27 31 33 44 45 49–56 58–64 66 67 69 71 73–79 81–83 86–88…”

“…Soccer was included in 13 studies,17 23 25 30 31 35 41 46 57–60 62 74 78 81 while 10 studies included prevalence estimates for gymnastics 16 17 39 46 54 62 73 74 85 89. Skiing,50 51 68 77 90 91 volleyball,17 25 46 52 82 88 swimming,17 46 52 62 73 74 basketball,17 25 33 43 55 79 and martial arts17 46 62 74 83 92 were investigated in six studies each. This review does not include a meta-analysis of incidence or prevalence rates categorised by sport.…”