The relationship between hip rotation range of movement and low back pain prevalence in amateur golfers: an observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether amateur golfers with self-reported low back pain have reduced hip rotation compared to asymptomatic controls.


METHODS
Observational case-control study.


METHODS
Data collection took place at 2 amateur golf clubs in southern England.


METHODS
On initial contact, all participants completed a screening questionnaire used to allocate participants into LBP (n=28) and control groups (n=36). LBP group were found to be heavier than controls (t=2.242, 95% CI 0.763-13.332) but were matched for age, height, handedness, handicap, rounds played per week and years of play.


METHODS
Primary outcome measures were lead and non-lead hip medial and lateral rotation in 0 degrees of flexion as measured by inclinometer. Secondary measures included inter and intra-rater reliability.


RESULTS
The LBP group had significantly reduced lead hip passive (LBP 21.14+/-10.17 degrees; controls 31.06+/-8.06 degrees, t=-4.228, 95% CI -14.621--5.205) and lead hip active medial rotation (LBP 21.46+/-10.01; controls 28.06+/-7.49 degrees, t=-2.908, 95% CI -11.147--2.036) compared to controls. No between group differences were found in non-lead hips or any passive or active lateral rotation measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there is lack of causality between LBP and hip rotation, the deficit in lead leg medial hip rotation in amateur golfers who suffer LBP may be relevant for screening or treatment selection.
Murray
Eoghan
E
Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Bancroft Road, London E14DG, United Kingdom. eoghanmurrey@hotmail.com
Birley
Emma
E
Twycross-Lewis
Richard
R
Morrissey
Dylan
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006055:Golf; D006615:Hip / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D012399:Rotation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult