Evaluation of Low Back Pain in Field Hockey Players

Abstract

It is aimed to evaluate the conditions of low back pain in field hockey players. 196 field hockey players and 170 of similar age range university students participated voluntarily. Participants demographic characteristics, low back pain history, and risk factors were questioned, Biering Sorensen Test (BST) was administered to test the strength and endurance of the back extensors. The data were evaluated in the SPSS 20 for Windows package program. Student's T-Test, ANOVA Test, Post-Hoc Bonferroni Test and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used for statistical analysis. Analysis results were evaluated at 95% confidence interval, p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant difference. The lifelong prevalence was 82% in the athletes group and 66% in the control group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.524). In terms of frequency of back pain (VAS) in the last three months, there was a significant difference between the athletes and the control groups (p<0.05). The BST average duration of national athletes was 95.2±18.5 sec of super league athletes was 101.3±15.4 sec, and of control group was 110.6±16.8 sec. A statistically significant difference was found between the national athletes and the control group according to BST scores (p=0.001). Compared to national athletes, super league athletes, and control groups, it has been found that being a Field Hockey National Players pose much more risk for low back pain. It was found that low back pain was widespread amongst athletes, and it is seen at a higher rate in national field hockey players.