Citation

van Hilst J, Hilgersom NF, Kuilman MC, Kuijer PP, Frings-Dresen MHW. J. Back Musculoskelet. Rehabil. 2014; 28(1): 67-73.

Affiliation

Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, IOS Press)

DOI

10.3233/BMR-140491

PMID

24968798

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) hampers performance and experiencing an episode of LBP is strongly associated with recurrent episodes.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of LBP and associated risk factors among young elite athletes in popular sports in the Netherlands were studied.

METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed among 236 young elite athletes aged between 14-25 years in field hockey, football and speed skating.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighty one (n=181) athletes responded (response rate 77%). The overall, 12-month prevalence of LBP for the three sports was 60%: field hockey 56%, football 64% and speed skating 60%. Satisfaction with their own performance (OR=0.5 95%CI:0.3-0.9) and with the coaching staff (OR=0.5, 95%CI:0.4-0.8) were associated with a lower occurrence of LBP in field hockey. No sport-related risk factors were found in football. In speed skating more training hours (OR=1.1, 95%CI:1.0-1.2), performance of Pilates (OR=4.1, 95%CI:1.1-15.7) and more time spent on warming up (OR=1.1, 95%CI:1.0-1.1) were associated with the occurrence of LBP.

CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of LBP among young elite athletes compared to the general age-related population was 3--5 times higher. Sport-related risk factors of LBP were found in field hockey and in speed skating.

Keywords: Soccer; Field hockey; Skating

Language: en