Low back pain in professional golfers: the role of associated hip and low back range-of-motion deficits

Am J Sports Med. 2004 Mar;32(2):494-7. doi: 10.1177/0363546503261729.

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is fairly prevalent among golfers; however, its precise biomechanical mechanism is often debated.

Hypothesis: There is a positive correlation between decreased lead hip rotation and lumbar range of motion with a prior history of low back pain in professional golfers.

Study design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: Forty-two consecutive professional male golfers were categorized as group 1 (history of low back pain greater than 2 weeks affecting quality of play within past 1 year) and group 2 (no previous such history). All underwent measurements of hip and lumbar range of motion, FABERE's distance, and finger-to-floor distance. Differences in measurements were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results: 33% of golfers had previously experienced low back pain. A statistically significant correlation (P <.05) was observed between a history of low back pain with decreased lead hip internal rotation, FABERE's distance, and lumbar extension. No statistically significant difference was noted in nonlead hip range of motion or finger-to-floor distance with history of low back pain.

Conclusions: Range-of-motion deficits in the lead hip rotation and lumbar spine extension correlated with a history of low back pain in golfers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Golf / injuries*
  • Hip Joint / pathology
  • Hip Joint / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / etiology*
  • Low Back Pain / pathology*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology*
  • Male
  • Posture
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Risk Factors