1. Predicting low back pain incidence among college golfers

2. Background Studies show that between 27-36% of all injuries in golfers are to the low back region. Many factors that contribute to the prevalence of low back pain (LBP), including:  hamstring flexibility  low back flexibility  abdominal/core body strength

3. Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to determine which of the following three factors would be the best predictor of LBP in college golfers.  Passive hip flexion?  Low back/hamstring flexibility?  Abdominal/core body strength?

4. Methods Subjects will be members of college golf teams Subjects will complete a simple survey  question about low back pain history  whether they have participated in physical therapy for LBP. Determine each subjects’ level of back pain based on an 11-point numeric pain rating scale

5. Tests Participants will be tested for:  Hamstring flexibility by measuring passive hip flexion with a goniometer.  Low back/hamstring flexibility with the Sit and Reach Test to test the subject’s.  Abdominal/core body strength with a straight leg lowering test to assess.

6. Data Analysis and Dissemination Multiple regression tests will be administered to determine which factor is the best predictor of LBP A final report will be presented at the Student Research Conference