Abstract
The prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in cricketer's was determined and possible causative factors were investigated. Questionnaires were sent to 110 cricketers playing for their first times of both clubs and schools during the 1991/92 season. The return response was 90% with a prevalence of LBP at 61.6%. Of these 78.7 % cited cricket as being the primary cause of their LBP. The injuries were predominantly grade 1 (72.1%), followed by grade 3 (23.1 %) and grade 2 (6.6%). Grading was made according to the effect the pain had on the cricketers game. Fast bowlers proved to be more at risk of developing LBP with a group prevalence of 75.6% followed by wicket keepers at 63.6%, batsmen at 56.8% and slow bowlers at 48.1%. Cricketers had rather a poor general knowledge of ways of protecting their backs. Recommendations were made to help reduce the high prevalence of LBP, especially amongst Fast bowlers and in cricketers in general.
Highlights
Cricket in South Africa plays a major socio-economic role and, through innova tions such as the one day limited overs and day-night games, is increasingly drawing the attention of large crowds throughout the country.Cricket is becoming far more aggressive and faster1and is placing greater strains on the cricketer's body
The lum bar area of the cricketer is one of the areas that is being placed under increased strain, especially in the fast bowling action[2]. This is taking place at a time when, with increased pro fessionalism, cricketers can least afford to be affected by disabling injuries, such as Low Back Pain (LBP)
LBP in itself has far reaching affects on the general com munity with as much as 5% of all time absent from work being attributed to LBP3
Summary
Cricket is becoming far more aggressive and faster1and is placing greater strains on the cricketer's body. The lum bar area of the cricketer is one of the areas that is being placed under increased strain, especially in the fast bowling action[2]. This is taking place at a time when, with increased pro fessionalism, cricketers can least afford to be affected by disabling injuries, such as Low Back Pain (LBP). LBP in itself has far reaching affects on the general com munity with as much as 5% of all time absent from work being attributed to LBP3. LBP is not frequently discussed by the cricketing fraternity, making it ex tremely difficult to ascertain the trueextent of LBP in cricketers
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