Objective: To investigate whether amateur golfers with self-reported low back pain have reduced hip rotation compared to asymptomatic controls.
Design: Observational case-control study.
Setting: Data collection took place at 2 amateur golf clubs in southern England.
Participants: On initial contact, all participants completed a screening questionnaire used to allocate participants into LBP (n=28) and control groups (n=36). LBP group were found to be heavier than controls (t=2.242, 95% CI 0.763-13.332) but were matched for age, height, handedness, handicap, rounds played per week and years of play.
Main outcome measures: Primary outcome measures were lead and non-lead hip medial and lateral rotation in 0 degrees of flexion as measured by inclinometer. Secondary measures included inter and intra-rater reliability.
Results: The LBP group had significantly reduced lead hip passive (LBP 21.14+/-10.17 degrees; controls 31.06+/-8.06 degrees, t=-4.228, 95% CI -14.621--5.205) and lead hip active medial rotation (LBP 21.46+/-10.01; controls 28.06+/-7.49 degrees, t=-2.908, 95% CI -11.147--2.036) compared to controls. No between group differences were found in non-lead hips or any passive or active lateral rotation measures.
Conclusion: Although there is lack of causality between LBP and hip rotation, the deficit in lead leg medial hip rotation in amateur golfers who suffer LBP may be relevant for screening or treatment selection.