The influence of competitive shooting on lower back pain: An empirical study

Background
In recent years, the attention of researchers has focused on myofascial pain and the contribution of fascial dysfunctions to lumbosacral troubles, in particular, their role in reoccurring low back pain (LBP). LBP disrupts proprioceptive abilities of the lower spine; it would be expected that competitive shooters experiencing LBP are less precise than fellow athletes who do not experience this ailment.

Aims
The main purpose of this study was to assess LBP prevalence and intensity among Polish competitive shooters using the revised Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Additionally, the prevalence and types of aches and pains were assessed, as well as shooters’ preferences regarding firearm types and training frequencies.

Material and methods
Group of 93 active competitive shooters (4 women, 89 men), affiliated with a shooting club completed the anonymous online questionnaire. The mean age of the group was 40.4 ± 10.1 (min. 19, max. 76 years). The obtained results were analyzed using Statistica 13.3 program with statistical tests: Shapiro-Wilk test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results
Our study revealed that LBP has a 29% prevalence among competitive shooters (mean ODI score was 9.63 ± 7.07 points), and the average frequency of dry-fire training was higher (once a month) among shooters experiencing LBP when compared to shooters with no back pain (a few times a year).

Conclusions
LBP prevalence among Polish competitive shooters does not differ from LBP prevalence in the general population and is similar in other countries. Competitive shooting contributes to aches and pains in body parts exposed to firearm recoil.