This study aimed to investigate the associations between lumbar impairments and various physical measurements in athletes using data from the physical check-ups conducted at Hiroshima University.
In total, 206 male athletes underwent physical check-ups at Hiroshima University between 2022 and 2023. The inclusion criterion was male students who were members of competitive sports clubs at the university, whereas the exclusion criterion was a history of lumbar impairments and orthopedic injuries in the lower limbs. Finally, data from 11 athletes with a current history of LBP (LBP group) and 45 healthy athletes (non-LBP group) were analyzed. Left-right differences in hip extension angle, closed-eye one-leg standing time, and knee extension strength were evaluated in each group, and an unpaired t-test was performed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using significantly different items as independent variables and the presence or absence of LBP as the dependent variable.
Left-right differences in closed-eye one-leg standing time were significantly larger in the LBP group (24.3 ± 17.5 s) than in the non-LBP group (10.3 ± 12.1 s; p = 0.0045). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the left-right differences in closed-eye one-leg standing time were significantly associated with LBP (Odds ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.13; p 0.05).
Overall, this study revealed that the left-right differences in closed-eye one-leg standing time were significantly associated with LBP, with the risk of LBP increasing with the left-right differences in closed-eye one-leg standing time. A previous study reported that LBP is related to the neuromuscular imbalance of erector spinae, with high pressure on the lumbar region, and that poor spinal dynamic stability as a component of posture decreases balance control in athletes. Therefore, neuromuscular imbalance possibly affected the left-right differences in closed-eye one-leg standing time in the LBP group. In the future, try setting cutoff values and applying them to athletes’ self-check-ups to provide effective feedback to them.
Closed-eye one-leg standing is an easy task that can be used as an indicator of the risk of LBP. Although the causal relationship requires further investigation, the results of the closed-eye one-leg standing test in this study can aid in preventing long-term impacts and withdrawal due to LBP by facilitating the early detection of athletes at risk for LBP.
Low back pain
balance
