Factors associated with non-specific low back pain in field hockey: a cross-sectional study of Premier and Division One players

Introduction and purpose: Several risk factors have been identified that alter risk of developing non-specific low back pain (LBP) in the general population. However, there is a lack of evidence around general and sport-specific factors associated with the odds of developing LBP in field hockey players, despite the prevalence being high (33-67%). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine what factors are associated with the risk of reporting non-specific LBP in field hockey. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was distributed to those who competed in the men’s and women’s Premier Division, Division 1 North and Division 1 South for field hockey. The questionnaire consisted of a participant information sheet, definitions sheet, participant characteristics, injury history, training-related factors, and work and personal factors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the key factors associated with the odds of reporting LBP. Results: A total of 194 responses were received. Results from the logistic regression indicated that age (>25 years), playing internationally, use of a smaller stick, partaking in the drag flick, experiencing stiffness/tightness after hockey, training 0-2 and 3-5 hours per week, competing in two matches per week, lifting heavy objects at work, perceiving work to impact recovery, and experiencing a stressful life event were associated 1.43-7.39 greater odds of LBP. In contrast, being a male, being of smaller stature, perceived work to increase fatigue, perceiving sleep to be good quantity, and experiences less frequent job stress were associated with lower odds of non-specific LBP (odds ratio (OR) = 0.11 to 0.60). A summary of key factors is presented in Table 1. Conclusion: The results of this study provide seven prominent factors that medical professionals involved in field hockey can consider when identifying individual at greater or lesser risk of LBP, when developing screening processes, and when developing training practices

Factors associated with non-specific low back pain in field hockey: a cross-sectional study of Premier and Division One players

Objectives To determine the extent to which various factors are associated with greater or lesser odds of reporting non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in field hockey. Methods To meet the objective of the study, a cross-sectional study design was used with a purposive sampling strategy. A total of 194 responses (~18% of those accessible) from field hockey players across competing in the Premier and Division One within the UK completed an UK-based online survey. Data collected included information on NS-LBP and participant characteristics, injury history, training related factors, and work and personal factors. The overall and category-specific prevalence of NS-LBP was calculated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used in conjunction with clinical value to identify associations. Results The overall prevalence of NS-LBP was 44.0%, with this varying from 23.5 to 70.0% for categories with responses of “yes” and “non” to experiencing NS-LBP. A total of ten individual factors associated with a greater odds ratio (OR) of reporting NS-LBP (OR = 1.43-7.39) in field hockey players competing in the Premier and Division one categories were identified. Five individual factors were associated with reduced odds (OR = 0.11-0.60) of reporting NS-LBP. Seven factors (age, stature, playing position, playing internationally, performing a drag flick, low back stiffness/tightness and occupational factors) were deemed particularly pertinent to those working in field hockey given the magnitude of association and clinical value to clinicians. Conclusions Clinicians working in field hockey can consider the key risk factors identified in this study that are associated with NS-LBP when assessing injury risk, movement screening approaches, and overall athlete management

Factors associated with non-specific low back pain in field hockey: a cross-sectional study of Premier and Division One players

Objectives To determine the extent to which various factors are associated with greater or lesser odds of reporting non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in field hockey. Methods To meet the objective of the study, a cross-sectional study design was used with a purposive sampling strategy. A total of 194 responses (~18% of those accessible) from field hockey players across competing in the Premier and Division One within the UK completed an UK-based online survey. Data collected included information on NS-LBP and participant characteristics, injury history, training related factors, and work and personal factors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used in conjunction with clinical value to identify associations. Results A total of ten individual factors associated with a greater odds ratio (OR) of reporting NS-LBP (OR = 1.43-7.39) in field hockey players competing in the Premier and Division one categories were identified. Five individual factors were associated with reduced odds (OR = 0.11-0.60) of reporting NS-LBP. Seven factors (age, stature, playing position, playing internationally, performing a drag flick, low back stiffness/tightness and occupational factors) were deemed particularly pertinent to those working in field hockey given the magnitude of association and clinical value to clinicians. Conclusions Clinicians working in field hockey can consider the key risk factors identified in this study that are associated with NS-LBP when assessing injury risk, movement screening approaches, and overall athlete management