Effect of acute low back pain on the risk of chronicity, functional disability and flexibility of the lumbar spine in CrossFit practitioners: Cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND:Nonspecific low back pain can become chronic over time. However, monitoring the chronicity of low back pain symptoms can be a major challenge for health professionals. AIM:To verify the effect of acute low back pain on the risk of chronicity and on clinical-functional changes in the lumbar spine in CrossFit practitioners. METHOD:A total of Sixty CrossFit practitioners were divided into two groups: the low back pain group–GL (n=30) and the control group–CG (n=30). The pain was assessed using the VAS and lumbar spine flexibility was assessed using the Schober and Stibor tests. The risk of chronic low back pain was assessed using the Start Back Screening Tool (SBST) questionnaire. The functionality of the lumbar spine was assessed using the Roland-Morris Disability Index questionnaire and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (QBPQ). An independent t-test was used to compare the measurements of the dependent variables between the groups. RESULTS:CrossFit practitioners with low back pain (LBP) showed elevated scores on the Start Back Screening Tool (SBST), indicating a greater risk of chronicity compared to the pain-free control group. Functional disability assessments also revealed significant differences, with the LBP group scoring higher on the Rolland Morris and Quebec questionnaires, indicating greater disability. Both groups demonstrated similar thoracic and lumbar spine mobility and flexibility. CONCLUSION:CrossFit practitioners with acute low back pain had a higher risk of chronicity and decreased functional disability when compared to the control group. Despite these differences, both groups demonstrated similar mobility and flexibility of the thoracic and lumbar spine.