Sport participation and physical activity level in relation to musculoskeletal pain in a population-based sample of adolescents: The Young-HUNT Study

Abstract

Abstract Aims Studies have shown conflicting results regarding associations between physical activity (PA) and musculoskeletal pain among adolescents, and few have evaluated the impact of sport participation. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the associations between sport participation and persistent weekly pain by body region in a population-based sample of adolescents. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data from the adolescent part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (Young-HUNT3) were used. Participants were asked how often during the last 3 months they had experienced pain in the neck-and-shoulders (NSP), low back (LBP) or lower extremities (LEP). The impact of sport participation and PA level on pain was evaluated using logistic regression analyses, stratified by gender, and adjusted for age, socioeconomic status and psychological distress. Results In total, 3765 boys and 3831 girls were included, mean age 15.8 years (SD 1.7). NSP was most prevalent (17%). Adolescents who participated in endurance sports had lower odds of NSP and LBP compared to non-participants. Participation in technical sports was associated with increased odds of LBP, and participation in team sports with increased odds of LEP, vs. no participation in the respective sports. Participation in strength sports and risk sports, vs. no participation, was related to higher levels of pain in all regions. Compared to a low PA level, a moderate PA level reduced the odds of NSP and LBP, whereas a high PA level increased the odds of LEP. Conclusion This study identified sports potentially protective, as well as sports associated with higher odds of NSP, LBP and LEP in a large population-based sample, and has increased the understanding of participation in sports as potential determinants of musculoskeletal pain among adolescents. Our findings highlight that types of sport adolescents participate in should be considered by healthcare professionals when evaluating their musculoskeletal pain.