Non-specific low back pain in male professional football players in the Turkish super league

Abstract

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible causes of non-specific low back pain (LBP) in male professional football players in the Turkish Super League. Methods A total of 121 players were questioned for demographic variables and whether they have had LBP in the last year. Player position, training characteristics, number of years as a football player, injury background and last season statistics were investigated. Flexibility of low back and hamstring muscles, and hamstring muscle length were measured. Results Thirty-eight football players reported non-specific LBP in last year with a prevalence of 31.4%. It was found that more matches played in a starting position and hamstring muscle shortness were significant factors for developing non-specific LBP ( P Conclusion The prevalence of non-specific LBP in Turkish male professional football players is 31.4%, similar to the literature findings. Hamstring muscle shortness and high numbers of matches played as a starter are important factors for non-specific LBP. These findings should be considered for injury prevention. Causes of LBP in football players require further investigation. Studies should be performed on a larger sample of participants to attain more certain results.