TY - JOUR T1 - 2021 consensus statement for preventing and managing low back pain in elite and subelite adult rowers JF - British Journal of Sports Medicine JO - Br J Sports Med SP - 893 LP - 899 DO - 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103385 VL - 55 IS - 16 AU - Fiona Wilson AU - Jane S Thornton AU - Kellie Wilkie AU - Jan Hartvigsen AU - Anders Vinther AU - Kathryn E Ackerman AU - J P Caneiro AU - Larissa Trease AU - Frank Nugent AU - Conor Gissane AU - Sarah-Jane McDonnell AU - Alison McGregor AU - Craig Newlands AU - Clare L Ardern Y1 - 2021/08/01 UR - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/55/16/893.abstract N2 - Purpose To synthesise evidence on low back pain (LBP) in adult rowers and to create a consensus statement to inform clinical practice.Methods There were four synthesis steps that informed the consensus statement. In step one, seven expert clinicians and researchers established the scope of the consensus statement and conducted a survey of experienced and expert clinicians to explore current practice. In step two, working groups examined current evidence relating to key scope questions and summarised key issues. In step three, we synthesised evidence for each group and used a modified Delphi process to aid in the creation of the overall consensus statements. Finally, in step four, we combined information from step three with the findings of the clinician survey (and with athlete and coach input) to produce recommendations for clinical practice.Results The scope of the consensus statement included epidemiology; biomechanics; management; the athlete’s voice and clinical expertise. Prevention and management of LBP in rowers should include education on risk factors, rowing biomechanics and training load. If treatment is needed, non-invasive management, including early unloading from aggravating activities, effective pain control and exercise therapy should be considered. Fitness should be maintained with load management and progression to full training and competition. The role of surgery is unclear. Management should be athlete focused and a culture of openness within the team encouraged.Conclusion Recommendations are based on current evidence and consensus and aligned with international LBP guidelines in non-athletic populations, but with advice aimed specifically at rowers. We recommend that research in relation to all aspects of prevention and management of LBP in rowers be intensified. ER -