Research Impact: The overall aim of this consensus statement was to inform clinical decisions and standards of care in order to reduce the long-term effects of low back pain (LBP) on rowers. This consensus statement was a collaboration of international rowing expert researchers and clinicians and was led by Dr. Fiona Wilson in Trinity College Dublin. The medical commission of the international rowing body ‘World Rowing’ oversaw and supported the process. Expert group members of the consensus statement represented Europe, North America and Australasia. The consensus statement comprised of five research papers – 3 systematic reviews (investigating epidemiology, biomechanics and management of LBP), 1 survey (investigating clinicians opinions, experiences and recommendations regarding rowing-related LBP and management) and 1 qualitative study (investigating rowing athletes to examine their experiences of LBP); all of which have now been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. This statement is based on research evidence and clinical practice and aligns with recommendations from international guidelines for managing LBP in the general population, and includes specific recommendations for rowers.
Wilson, F., Thornton, J., Wilkie, K., Hartvigsen, J., Vinther, A., Ackerman, K., Caneiro, JP., Trease, L., Nugent, F., Gissane, C., McDonnell, SJ., McGregor, A., Newlands, C. and Ardern, C. 2021 Consensus Statement for Managing Low Back Pain in Elite and Sub-Elite Rowers. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021: 0, 1–7. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103385 (IF=12.68 – 1/85 Sport Sciences)
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