EFFECT OF TRUNK MOTOR CONTROL TRAINING IN ELITE SOCCER PLAYERS WITH LOW BACK PAIN

Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a motor control training program on the lumbopelvic motor control (LMC) in elite soccer players with a history of low back pain (LBP).
Methods: Twenty-four male elite soccer players (mean age of 18.3 years) filled in questionnaires related to LBP and were divided into two groups: 12 players with a history of LBP (LBP group) and 12 players without a history of LBP (no LBP group). Then, they performed five LMC tests [the Bent Knee Fall Out test (BKFO), the Knee Lift Abdominal Test (KLAT), the Sitting Knee Extension Test (SKET), the Waiter’s Bow (WB) and the test of the transversus abdominis (TrA)] which were conducted and scored (0=failed, 1=correct) by a physiotherapist, blinded to the medical history of the participants. The total LMC score (ranging from 0 to 5) was calculated by adding the score at each test. During the following 10 weeks, the no LBP group conducted a soccer training as usual while LBP group performed an additional specific core stability program (1h/week).
Results: At baseline, the participants of the LBP group had a worse LMC than the no LBP group (mean LMC score of 1.1 vs 3.1, p<0.01). The between-groups difference was particularly marked for the BKFO (p<0.01), KLAT (p<0.01) and SKET (p<0.05) tests. At the end of the intervention program, the LMC score of the players with a history of LBP increased significantly (p<0.0001) and was similar to the score of the players without a history of LBP (mean LMC score of 3.2 vs 3.3, p=1.00).
Conclusions: LMC can be decreased in elite active soccer players with a history of LBP. Specific core stability program is effective to improve LMC in these players.