OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the incidence of low back pain in active runners and cyclists to their level of lumbopelvic inflexibility.

SETTING: Laboratory setting.

SUBJECTS: One hundred eight volunteers were chosen. None had prior surgery to the hip or lumbar spine regions. Along with runners and cyclists, a sedentary control group was chosen. A medical questionnaire focusing on activity levels in sport and the incidence of disability and low back pain was completed. Eight variables were calculated for statistical significance.

INTERVENTIONS: None. KNOWN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between all variables were calculated. Additionally, ANOVAs for total group on each dependent variable were conducted, followed by Tukey HSDs where significant.

RESULTS: Results indicated significant correlations between hip extension and sit and reach [r (106) = .36, p > .001], year in sport and mileage [r (106) = .39, p > .001], and sex and hip extension [r (106) = .35, p > .001].

CONCLUSION: A correlation between hip and low back inflexibility and the incidence of low back pain and disability in runners and cyclists is not supported by our data. Inconsistency of age control within our subject groups, along with the choice of flexibility testing, may necessitate further investigation on this subject.

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