Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Low back pain among Italian runners: A cross-sectional survey
F Maselli1, J F Esculier2, L Storari3
1Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy; Sovrintendenza Sanitaria Regionale Puglia INAIL, Bari, Italy.
Background:
Low Back Pain (LBP) is commonly reported as a very frequent disorder in sports, but its prevalence in runners remains unclear.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of LBP in a wide sample of Italian runners.
Design:
A cross-sectional online survey.
Setting:
A national survey, according to the CHERRIES and STROBE guidelines, was performed in 2019.
Participants:
2539 Italian runners.
Methods:
A sample of Italian runners registered with national running associations was recruited. The survey was conducted using an online survey development platform. The questionnaire was self-reported and included 38 questions.
Main Outcome Measures:
Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyze results. Relationships between demographics, daily habits and running characteristics and the responses given was calculated with Cramer's V. Only correlation values higher >0.60 were deemed of interest.
Results:
2539 questionnaires (63.5%) were valid for analysis. In total, 22.6% of runners reported having experienced LBP in the past year. Most participants (77.0%) reporting episodes of LBP believed it was not caused by running. No significant correlations (Cramer's V < 0.60) were found between LBP and demographics, training characteristics or lifestyle habits.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of LBP among Italian runners was 22,57%. LBP was not associated with training, equipment or lifestyle.
