Associations between different sports and low back pain: a population-based study with a 15-year follow-up

Engagement in moderate levels of physical activity appears to be beneficial for low back pain (LBP) prevention and treatment. In this 15-year prospective follow-up study, we aimed to examine whether certain sports and their performance levels are associated with lower odds of experiencing repeatedly observed LBP across a 15-year follow-up.

Study sample composed of participants of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 3352) who had data available on the engagement frequency in the following sports and other physical activities: (a) cross-country skiing; (b) swimming; (c) running; (d) aerobics and gymnastics; (e) gym workouts; (f) floorball, ice hockey, football, rinkball, and basketball; and (h) badminton, volleyball, tennis, and squash at 31 years, and LBP occurrence between 31 and 46 years. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to produce unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Cross-country skiing more than once a month or at least twice a week, running at least twice a week and gym training up to once a month were associated with lower odds of experiencing repeatedly observed LBP than exercising up to once a month. After adjustments, only the cross-country skiing models remained (for up to once a week: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.98; for at least twice a week: 0.71, 0.51-1.00). No association was found between sports and incident or resolved LBP.

Engagement in cross-country skiing in early adulthood appears to be a protective factor against repeatedly observed LBP between early and mid-adulthood.