Level of Physical Activity and Low Back Pain in Randomly Selected 15-year-olds in Oslo, Norway?An Epidemiological Study Based on Survey

The aim of this study was to investigate level of physical activity, prevalence of adolescent low back pain (LBP) and a possible association between these two variables. The population consisted of 316 randomly selected 15-year-olds in Oslo, Norway. Structured questionnaires were distributed in a classroom setting, and 190 subjects agreed to par ticipate (response rate 60%). Results showed that 27% were physically active equal to or less than once a week, during their leisure time. Lifetime prevalence of non-specific LBP was 63%. Twenty per cent had sought medical advice due to LBP. Only 2% had stopped doing one or more leisure time activity because of LBP. There was a significant association between LBP and being physically active equal to or more than 2?3 times per week. Through this study it can be concluded that there is no correlation between a low level of physical activity and LBP, rather the opposite finding, that being physically active generates more LBP.