Physical activity and low-back pain in schoolchildren
Birgit Skoffer1, Anders Foldspang2
1Institute of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Building 1264, Vennelyst Boulevard, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. BSkoffer@dadlnet.dk.
Summary
Physical inactivity and certain sports like gymnastics are linked to low-back pain (LBP) in adolescents. Swimming and soccer participation may help prevent LBP, suggesting increased general physical activity is beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Low-back pain (LBP) is a common issue in schoolchildren, with its association to physical activity sparsely documented.
- Understanding physical activity's role in LBP prevention is crucial for adolescent health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific physical activities associated with reduced low-back pain (LBP) occurrence in adolescents.
- To investigate the relationship between various sports and LBP prevalence in a school-aged population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from 546 schoolchildren (15-16 years old).
- Questionnaires assessed physical activity and LBP; logistic regression analyzed associations, controlling for height, weight, and anthropometrics.
Main Results:
- Over half of schoolchildren reported LBP; a quarter experienced functional decline or needed care.
- LBP correlated with physical inactivity (homework, TV time) and sports like jogging, handball, and gymnastics.
- Only swimming and weekly soccer hours showed association with decreased LBP prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Most sports do not appear to prevent LBP in this population, except for swimming and soccer.
- Increased general physical activity, particularly reducing sedentary behaviors, is recommended for LBP prevention trials in children.
