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Physical activity and low back pain: a systematic review of recent literature

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Abstract

The objective of the study is to systematically evaluate the available evidence on the association between physical activity (i.e. occupational load and non-occupational physical activities) and low back pain (LBP). A systematic approach was used to explore the literature between 1999 and 2009. Studies were selected for inclusion following a comprehensive search of Medline, Embase and CINAHL. The methodological quality of each study was assessed. Studies were considered to be of ‘high quality’ if they met the cut-off criterion of 60% of the maximum available quality score. Thirty-six cohort or case–control studies were retrieved. Heavy workload and the accumulation of loads or frequency of lifts were moderate to strong risk factors for LBP. Strong associations were found for flexed, rotated and the awkward positions of the lumbar spine. Inconsistent results were found for leisure time physical activities, sports and physical exercise. Studies focusing on daily habitual physical activities (e.g. domestic activities and commuting) in association with LBP are lacking. In conclusion, the occurrence of LBP is related to the nature and intensity of the physical activities undertaken. However, physical activities can be subdivided into separate types and intensities and the ultimate physical load is the sum of all these activities. This makes it difficult to designate one particular activity as the cause of LBP.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Department Lifestyle and Health, University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 85182, 3508 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Hans Heneweer, Geert Aufdemkampe & Luc Vanhees

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Filip Staes & Luc Vanhees

  3. Centre for Human Movement Studies, Master Physical Therapy, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Machiel van Rijn

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  1. Hans Heneweer
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  2. Filip Staes
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  4. Machiel van Rijn
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Correspondence to Hans Heneweer.

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Heneweer, H., Staes, F., Aufdemkampe, G. et al. Physical activity and low back pain: a systematic review of recent literature. Eur Spine J 20, 826–845 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-010-1680-7

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