18th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Evaluation of Low Back Pain Risk Factors in Collegiate Golfers
Dyane E. Tower
Ms. Michelle Boyd, Dr. Alex J. Koch, and Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentors
Lack of hamstring flexibility, low back flexibility, and abdominal/core body strength are thought to contribute to low back pain (LBP). LBP is extremely prevalent in golfers of any skill level. The purpose of this study was to predict the extent of LBP in collegiate golfers using core body strength, hamstring and low back flexibility. A modified pain survey was distributed to 17 collegiate golfers (12F, 5M) to assess the general pain and disabling effect of LBP on daily activities. Core body strength was assessed using a straight leg-lowering test. Hamstring and low back flexibility were assessed using sit and reach and passive hip flexion tests. Stepwise regression failed to select any independent variables as significant predictors of total modified pain scale score. Therefore it can not be concluded that the factors tested in this study are related to the prevalence of LBP in this population.
Keywords: back pain, golfers
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 29-20
Location: OP Lobby & Atrium
Time: 1:15