Cabri, J., Fernandes, R., Alves, F., & Burton, K. (2001). The prevalence of low back pain in swimmers: A comparison between elite and leisure-time swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 463.

The occurrence of low back pain was evaluated in leisure (N = 119) and elite competitive (N = 146) swimmers. The elite group had started swimming earlier, experienced more intense training, and had performed for more years than the leisure group.

The competitive swimmers reported less occurrences of low back pain and when experienced, for shorter periods than the leisure group. It was hypothesized that swim training produced a resistance to low back pain.

Implication. Low back pain is less likely to occur in competitive swimmers as compared to the likelihood of its occurrence in leisure swimmers.

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