This study interprets the correlation between knee pain and lower back pain (LBP) among young baseball players. To treat LBP among these players, clinicians are suggested to be attentive to the complaints of knee pain from the players. The study also indicated that the point prevalence of LBP and knee pain was 8.4% and 13.1% respectively. 

Considerable research has aimed at shoulder and elbow injuries among baseball players; but, as lumbar spine and knee injuries are commonly experienced, they are less frequently studied. During usual motions in baseball, like throwing, hitting, and running, energy is transferred from the lower extremities through the lower back to the upper body. Lower extremity pain and lower back pain (LBP), can hinder the kinematic chain, and it is crucial to understand the association between lower extremity complaints and LBP. The purpose of this study was to interpret the association between knee pain and LBP among young baseball players.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total 1,609 young baseball players (aged 6–15 years) using a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used for the analyses. Variables considered in the models were: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), team levels, number of days of training weekly, number of hours in practice daily on weekdays and weekend, frequency of participation in games, practice intensity, and player position.

Point prevalence of LBP and knee pain was 8.4% and 13.1%. Knee pain was significantly connected with LBP. Considering the absence of knee pain as a reference, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for LBP was 5.83 (3.93–8.65) in the presence of knee pain.

Knee pain was related to LBP among young baseball players. The clinicians should pay attention to knee complaints to prevent and treat LBP among the young baseball players.