Association Between Trunk Muscle Strength and Low Back Pain in Collegiate Wrestlers Without Lumbar Disc Degeneration

ABSTRACT Low back pain (LBP) and radiological abnormalities of the lumbar region including lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) frequently occur in wrestlers. Many research studies have described the relationship between trunk muscles and LBP. LDD is associated with trunk muscle strength and the disability level of chronic LBP. The participants enrolled in the present study included 51 Japanese collegiate wrestlers. Isokinetic trunk extensor and flexor strength was measured. The disability level of LBP was evaluated by a questionnaire on activities of daily living. Each disc from L1/2 to L5/S1 was assessed by MRI using a comprehensive LDD grading system. Irrespective of the grade of LDD, all participants were divided into two groups: 20 wrestlers (39%) were assigned to the LDD group and 31 (61%) were assigned to the non-LDD group. Negative correlation coefficients and significant differences between trunk extensor strength and the disability level of LBP were observed only in the non-LDD group. Thus, the disability level of LBP can be associated with the overall lower trunk extensor strength in collegiate wrestlers without LDD.