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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Physical Factors Associated With Chronic Low Back Pain in Collegiate Baseball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hidetoshi Nakao1, Taizan Fukaya1, Hironori Ohsugi1
1Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Josai International University, Togane City, Chiba, Japan.
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation
|May 29, 2026
Summary
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) in baseball players is linked to reduced trunk flexion and hip rotation. Early identification may involve assessing these key mobility factors in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent issue among baseball players.
- Physical factors contributing to CLBP in collegiate baseball athletes require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify physical factors associated with chronic low back pain in collegiate baseball players.
- To investigate the relationship between specific physical assessments and the presence of CLBP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 118 collegiate baseball players (29 with CLBP, 89 without).
- Assessment of body composition, trunk flexibility, hip range of motion, trunk muscle strength, and training loads.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of CLBP.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of CLBP was 18.9% among the surveyed players.
- Players with CLBP exhibited significantly reduced standing trunk flexion and lead-leg hip internal rotation.
- Reduced standing trunk flexion (OR=0.94) and lead-leg hip internal rotation (OR=0.93) were independently associated with CLBP.
Conclusions:
- Decreased trunk flexion and limited lead-leg hip internal rotation are significant factors associated with CLBP in collegiate baseball players.
- Assessment of trunk and hip mobility can aid in identifying baseball players at risk for or experiencing CLBP.
