Factors associated with low back pain in elite high school volleyball players

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the relationship between low back pain and a range of demographic, environmental, and injury history factors to identify potential factors for the management of low back pain. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 123 elite high school male and female volleyball players. They answered an extensive questionnaire regarding demographic details, low back pain in the previous year, volleyball-specific movements, previous regional injuries, and years of volleyball experience. Questionnaire responses were analyzed. Data were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis using the presence and absence of low back pain within 1 year as the explanatory variable. [Results] Of the 123 volleyball players, 48.0% reported low back pain. The volleyball-specific movements that induced pain were diverse (e.g., spike, serve, and pass) with no common factor. The factors associated with low back pain were an ankle injury within the previous year and years of volleyball experience. [Conclusion] The associations found in this survey indicate that particular attention should be given to more experienced players with a history of ankle injury to manage low back pain in high school volleyball players.

Effect of Compensatory Mechanisms on Postural Disturbances and Musculoskeletal Pain in Elite Sitting Volleyball Players: Preparation of a Compensatory Intervention

“…To date, plenty of research has analyzed the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in volleyball players, which was found mostly in the upper and lower back [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. However, few studies have indicated neck pain as a significant problem in volleyball players [ 18 , 24 ].…”

Efficacy of semi-customized exercises in preventing low back pain in high school volleyball players: A randomized controlled trial

“…[8,15] Studies have shown that diverse volleyball-specific movements (e.g., spiking, serving, and digging) with no common factors induce LBP in adolescent players. [8] Therefore, considering individualized exercise regimens based on functional assessments rather than those targeting a physical function is necessary for the prevention of LBP in high school volleyball players. Since many high school teams in Japan do not have physical therapists or trainers, there is a need for a simple evaluation method and program to help high school students manage these back pain-related physical function problems themselves.…”

“…Overuse-induced LBP in high school volleyball players has been associated with a history of ankle sprains, reduced horizontal abduction (HAB) range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint, and reduced hip flexibility. [8,15] Studies have shown that diverse volleyball-specific movements (e.g., spiking, serving, and digging) with no common factors induce LBP in adolescent players. [8] Therefore, considering individualized exercise regimens based on functional assessments rather than those targeting a physical function is necessary for the prevention of LBP in high school volleyball players.…”

Physical function characteristics in Japanese high school volleyball players with low back pain

“…A survey of high school volleyball players in Japan reported that LBP in the previous year was experienced more commonly than pain in other body regions including the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle. [ 3 ] In the field of sport, there are many occasions when athletes complain of pain even though they have not been injured. [ 4 ] However, ongoing pain leads to a deterioration in sports performance with difficulty maintaining a competitive game.…”

“…[ 14 ] Despite this evidence, a previous study revealed that 60% of high school volleyball players with LBP failed to consult with their coaches or doctors for help with LBP management. [ 3 ] Without medical consultation it is difficult to identify the underlying cause of LBP in high school volleyball players. In this case physical function tests that can be easily performed in the sporting arena may be useful for screening for potential risk factors in the development of LBP.…”