Association between Body Composition Characteristics and Chronic Low Back Pain in High-School Baseball Players: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is common among adolescent athletes, particularly baseball players; however, its association with body composition remains unclear.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between body composition parameters and the presence of CLBP in high-school baseball players.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Male high-school baseball players were recruited and divided into the CLBP and non-CLBP groups. CLBP was defined as low back pain rated ≥3 on the numerical rating scale (NRS) and lasting >12 weeks. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis in the first year of high school. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with CLBP.

RESULTS

Ninety male baseball players participated (mean age: 16.8±0.4 years, during second year). The CLBP group (n=31) showed significantly higher percentage body fat (PBF), body fat mass (BFM), BFM index, and trunk fat mass compared with the non-LBP group (n=59). Logistic regression analysis identified first-year NRS scores (odds ratio [OR]: 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-3.21) and PBF (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.05-1.51) as significant predictors of CLBP.

CONCLUSION

Elevated body fat percentage and elevated pain intensity in early high-school years were associated with the development of CLBP among high-school baseball players. Regular monitoring of body composition and early intervention based on pain levels may effectively prevent CLBP in adolescent baseball players, thereby supporting better long-term athletic performance and health outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.