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Asian J Kinesiol > Volume 27(1); 2025 > Article
The Asian Journal of Kinesiology 2025;27(1):78-86.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15758/ajk.2025.27.1.78    Published online January 31, 2025.
Comparison of Factors Related to Low Back Pain in Elite Youth Baseball Players
Daeho Ha1  , Satoshi Nagai2, Byungjoo Noh3  , Shumpei Miyakawa4, Masahiro Takemura5 
1Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
2Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan
3Department of Kinesiology, Jeju National University, Jeju-si, Republic of Korea
4Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
5Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Correspondence:  Masahiro Takemura, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, Tel: +81-29-853-3962, Fax: +81-29-853-3962, 
Email: takemura.masahiro.gw@u.tsukuba.ac.jp
Received: 24 January 2025   • Revised: 31 January 2025   • Accepted: 31 January 2025
Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to compare training and practice volumes (extrinsic factors) and physical characteristics (intrinsic factors) between elite youth baseball players with and without LBP.
METHODS
A total of 271 elite youth baseball players (aged 8–16 years) were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a lifetime history of LBP. Data on training and practice volume, flexibility, and demographic characteristics were collected through questionnaires and physical assessments. Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests and Pearson’s chi-square tests, were conducted to determine differences between groups.
RESULTS
Players in the LBP group exhibited significantly greater training and practice volumes compared to their non-LBP counterparts. Reduced flexibility was observed in the LBP group, particularly in the quadriceps femoris on both dominant and non-dominant sides (p<.001) and in the biceps femoris (hamstring) on the non-dominant side (p<.034). A higher prevalence of shoulder (28.5% vs. 16.8%) and elbow pain (44.3% vs. 27.4%) was noted in the LBP group compared to the non-LBP group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study found that low back pain in youth baseball players was associated with reduced lower extremity muscle flexibility and that players with back pain were more likely to develop shoulder and elbow injuries. Future prospective studies are necessary to establish a clearer causal relationship between low back pain and upper extremity injuries, particularly in the shoulder and elbow.
Keywords: Injury Prevention Low Back Pain Muscle Flexibility Training Volume Youth Baseball Players
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