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Rowing is a physically demanding sport associated with intensive and long-term training programmes.[1] The primary objective of rowing is to propel the boat using an oar as a fixed lever in flat water.[2] Rowing is categorised into sculling, where the rower uses two oars, or sweep, where the rower only uses one oar, either on the left or right side.[2] Furthermore, rowing can be undertaken individually or in crews of two, four, or eight, with larger crews often having the addition of a coxswain.[2] The rowing stroke consists of a continuous sequence of repetitive movements which is divided into four phases, namely, the catch/preparation, the drive, the finish/release, and the recovery phases.[2] The spine acts as a cantilever during the rowing stroke and has the responsibility of transferring power from the legs and arms to the oar in the water.[3,4] Rowers, similar to others participating in competitive sport, have the risk of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.[1,3] The lower back region or the lumbar spine is the most prevalent site of injury in rowers competing at all levels.[1-3,5,6] There are, however, fewer studies available concerning LBP among the university population. It is important to note that university rowing varies in different countries with regards to training intensity and competitive events [11], therefore studies conducted in other countries may not relate to the South African university rowing population. Clark et al.[1] investigated South African university rowers. The study focused on multiple injuries sustained throughout a single rowing season, but with a lack of emphasis on LBP, despite the lower back being reported as the most prevalent injury site. Previous research found that the prevalence of LBP varies but is significant in university-level rowers.[1,6,8] Furthermore, despite the use of different measurement tools, it has been reported that the severity of LBP in rowers is moderate.[1,6,8] There are multiple self-administered LBP questionnaires available for clinical use which assist in determining its severity [9], however, the Athletes Disability Index (ADI) Questionnaire is developed specifically for athletes to determine the influence of LBP-related disabilities on sport, exercise, and daily activities.[10,11] Based on what was illustrated in previous studies,[1,6,8] the primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and debilitating effects of LBP on university-level rowers in South Africa. The secondary aim was to establish any differences regarding LBP prevalence and severity between the sexes.

The prevalence and severity of lower back pain in South African university rowers