The epidemiology of Low Back Pain in Sanda Athletes in China: a questionnaire study

Tong Zhou ¹ Rongxuan Zhai ² Aiyun Lu ³ Lejun Wang ^2*

• ¹ Guangzhou Polytechnic of Sports, Guang Dong, China
• ² Tongji University, Shanghai, China
• ³ Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

Objectives: The primary objectives of this investigation were to provide an overview of data about low back pain prevalence in Sanda athletes, to gain a preliminary understanding of the occurrence of low back pain in Sanda athletes and provide a scientific basis for the prevention of low back pain in this population.Methods: A 27-item questionnaire was administered to 132 elite male Sanda athletes (13 athletes at the Master of Sport level, 29 at the First-Class level, 81 at the Second-Class level, and 9 at other levels). to assess the prevalence of low back pain, its onset, contributing factors, training conditions, and other relevant aspects. The questionnaire was distributed after undergoing reliability and validity testing, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0.Results: The survey of 132 Sanda athletes revealed an overall prevalence of 50% for low back pain, with a chronic low back pain rate of 14.4%. The primary form of pain is localized lumbar pain, accounting for 84.2%. The frequency of pain episodes in athletes with chronic low back pain is mainly intermittent, affecting 52.6% of the population. The main techniques causing low back pain in Sanda athletes are throw techniques, accounting for 48.5%, and leg techniques, accounting for 30.3%. The main contributors to lumbar injuries are general physical training (42.4%), followed by specialized technical training (30.3%). Chronic low back pain moderately affects the daily life of about 47.4% of athletes.Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between the level of competition and the occurrence of low back pain in Sanda athletes. Techniques such as throws and kicks are the primary causes of injury. The main contributing factors to these injuries are physical fatigue or excessive training volume, followed by insufficient warm-up. The most common injury types are acute lumbar muscle injuries, followed by lumbar muscle strain and intervertebral disc herniation. Chronic low back pain significantly impacts Sanda athletes' training, physical health, psychological well-being, and daily life. It should be given serious attention by coaches, team doctors, and the athletes themselves.