A test battery to investigate back pain in female soccer players

Introduction Back pain (BP) is a concern in youth and adult soccer players. Medical staff should be aware of possible consequences on health status and physical performance of players and, therefore, should screen and/or test for BP. Objective The purpose of the study was to assess female soccer players with and without BP in a range of tests. Methods 18 female youth football players (eight with and ten without BP) from a Bavarian Soccer Club were assessed with a test battery consisting of patients’ history, physical examination, questionnaire, Y Balance Test (YBT), Swiss Olympic Test (SOT) and maximum isometric strength of the trunk muscles. Results Participants without any BP showed non-significant better performance in the SOT and the YBT. In the dynamic lateral isometric muscle strength test, patients without BP had a statistically significant ( p