Chronic low back pain and disability in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes

• There was a high prevalence of chronic low back pain in jiu-jitsu athletes.
• Professionals had a marginal increase in the risk of developing low back pain.
• The level of functional disability was low in both levels of practice.

ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and functional disability in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes.Study designCross-sectional, observational.SettingsThe study was conducted at jiu-jitsu training sites in the State of Rio de Janeiro.Main outcome measuresPresence of Chronic low back pain and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale.ResultsThe sample was composed of 72 athletes (mean age of 26.7), being 36 recreational and 36 professional. Chronic low back pain was present in 80.6% of athletes. Pain was present in 88.9% of professional and 72.2% of recreational athletes. In the professional jiu-jitsu group, the median of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) was 10 (IQR = 16), and in the recreational group the QBPDS result was 6.0 (IQR = 12) (p = .001). Professional athletes had a marginally significant increased risk of developing CLBP [OR = 3.0; CI(95%) 0.8–10.9)].ConclusionThe prevalence of low back pain in jiu-jitsu practice was high and professional athletes seem to have a high risk of developing CLBP.