Chronic low back pain and disability in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes

OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and functional disability in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at jiu-jitsu training sites in the State of Rio de Janeiro. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of Chronic low back pain and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 72 athletes (mean age of 26.7), being 36 recreational and 36 professional. Chronic low back pain was present in 80.6% of athletes. Pain was present in 88.9% of professional and 72.2% of recreational athletes. In the professional jiu-jitsu group, the median of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) was 10 (IQR = 16), and in the recreational group the QBPDS result was 6.0 (IQR = 12) (p = .001). Professional athletes had a marginally significant increased risk of developing CLBP [OR = 3.0; CI(95%) 0.8-10.9)]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low back pain in jiu-jitsu practice was high and professional athletes seem to have a high risk of developing CLBP.