Background and purpose: Half of adolescent athletes report low back pain (LBP) and there is a significant risk of vertebral injury in this population. The current model of care for adolescent athletes with LBP is to first confirm a medical diagnosis of spondylolysis which frequently requires advanced imaging. However, routine use of advanced imaging increases cost, delays treatment, and can expose the athlete to radiation.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the viability of a physical therapist guided functional progression program to manage low back pain (LBP) in adolescent athletes.
Study design: Non-randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Methods: Sixteen adolescents (15 ± 1.8 years, 50% female) with extension-based LBP were assigned to the biomedical model or physical therapy first model. The biomedical model sought to determine a spondylolysis diagnosis to guide treatment. In the physical therapy first model, patients began early therapeutic exercise and their ability to functionally progress determined the course of care. Dependent variables were change in Micheli Function Score, use of imagining, days out of sport, and ability to return to sport. Adverse events were monitored in order to assess safety. Descriptive statistics were completed to assess the viability of the alternative model.
Results: Both models had similar improvements in pain and function. The physical therapy first model reduced use of advanced imaging by 88% compared to the biomedical model. Patients in the biomedical model who did not sustain a vertebral injury returned to sport sooner than the physical therapy first model (3.4 days versus 51 days), while those with a vertebral injury took longer in the current model (131 days versus 71 days). All of the patients in the physical therapy first model and 88% of patients in the current model made a full return to sport. Two adverse events occurred in the biomedical model, and none were noted in the physical therapy first model.
Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that the physical therapist guided functional progression program may be a viable method for treating young athletes with LBP and further research is warranted.
Level of evidence: 3b.
Keywords: adolescent; athlete; low back pain; spondylolysis.