University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

2021 consensus statement for preventing and managing low back pain in elite and subelite adult rowers

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 12:09 authored by Wilson, F, Thornton, JS, Kellie WilkieKellie Wilkie, Hartvigsen, J, Vinther, A, Ackerman, KE, Caneiro, JP, Larissa TreaseLarissa Trease, Nugent, F, Gissane, C, McDonnell, SJ, McGregor, A, Newlands, C, Ardern, CL

Purpose: To synthesise evidence on low back pain (LBP) in adult rowers and to create a consensus statement to inform clinical practice.

Methods:There were four synthesis steps that informed the consensus statement. In step one, seven expert clinicians and researchers established the scope of the consensus statement and conducted a survey of experienced and expert clinicians to explore current practice. In step two, working groups examined current evidence relating to key scope questions and summarised key issues. In step three, we synthesised evidence for each group and used a modified Delphi process to aid in the creation of the overall consensus statements. Finally, in step four, we combined information from step three with the findings of the clinician survey (and with athlete and coach input) to produce recommendations for clinical practice.

Results:The scope of the consensus statement included epidemiology; biomechanics; management; the athlete's voice and clinical expertise. Prevention and management of LBP in rowers should include education on risk factors, rowing biomechanics and training load. If treatment is needed, non-invasive management, including early unloading from aggravating activities, effective pain control and exercise therapy should be considered. Fitness should be maintained with load management and progression to full training and competition. The role of surgery is unclear. Management should be athlete focused and a culture of openness within the team encouraged.

Conclusion: Recommendations are based on current evidence and consensus and aligned with international LBP guidelines in non-athletic populations, but with advice aimed specifically at rowers. We recommend that research in relation to all aspects of prevention and management of LBP in rowers be intensified.

History

Publication title

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Volume

55

Issue

16

Pagination

893-899

ISSN

0306-3674

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Place of publication

London

Rights statement

Copyright 2021 the authors.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Exercise; Sport, exercise and recreation not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC