Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Incidence of Low Back Pain and Irregular Menstrual Cycles in Female Distance Runners

Authors

Kimberly L. Kennedy, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Kimberly L. Kennedy. 1998. Incidence of Low Back Pain and Irregular Menstrual Cycles in Female Distance Runners. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (124)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/124.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if the incidence of low back pain and irregular menstrual cycles is affected by weekly mileage of female runners.

Subjects: 117 female runners, members of 2 running clubs in south Florida.

Methodology: Self-designed survey mailed to 263 female runners. Pilot study was conducted on 15 female runners. Final return rate was 44%, n=117.

Results: Incidence of low back pain was 16% in total sample and 14% in distance runners. Largest percentage of women with low back pain ran 2-3 days per week. Low back pain was significantly negatively correlated with number of days women ran weekly (p=.009). Significant negative correlation between low back pain weekly mileage (p=.025). No significance between weekly mileage and irregular menstrual cycles. Women indicated having some knowledge or were well-informed about 4 health issues. 65% received information from sports & health magazines.

Conclusion: Weekly mileage may not be a strong enough factor alone to cause low back pain or irregular menstrual cycles in female runners. Expanding and enhancing prevention and wellness programs should be pursued by the physical therapy profession.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy