Examining the Peer-Reviewed Published Literature Regarding Low Back Pain in Rowing: A Scoping Review
Veronica Athy1, Sylvia Hach1, Helen Anderson1
1Unitec Institute of Technology.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
|February 16, 2023
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is common in rowers. A history of back pain and prolonged ergometer use are key risk factors, highlighting needs for better research definitions and larger studies to prevent LBP.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent issue within the rowing community.
- Existing research addresses risk factors, prevention, and treatment of LBP in rowers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of the LBP literature specific to rowing.
- To identify gaps and future research directions for LBP in rowers.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Ebsco, and ScienceDirect up to November 2020.
- Arksey and O'Malley's framework guided data synthesis, with STROBE tool assessing reporting quality.
- Seventy-eight studies were included, categorized into epidemiology, biomechanics, biopsychosocial, and miscellaneous.
Main Results:
- The incidence and prevalence of LBP in rowers are well-documented.
- Biomechanical research is extensive but lacks cohesion.
- Significant risk factors identified include a history of back pain and prolonged ergometer use.
Conclusions:
- Inconsistent definitions fragment the LBP literature in rowing.
- Prolonged ergometer use and prior LBP history are confirmed risk factors for preventative strategies.
- Methodological limitations (small sample sizes, reporting barriers) necessitate further research with larger samples to elucidate LBP mechanisms in rowers.
