Physical Function and Low Back Pain in Leek Farmers: A Comparison with Non-Farmers

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the low back pain (LBP) and physical function of young to middle aged farmers of leeks in western Tottori Prefecture.

Methods: Fifteen farmers (55 years old or younger) cultivating leeks in western Tottori Prefecture were recruited as the subjects, and 14 non-farmers matching the age and sex of the subjects were recruited as the control group. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the presence or absence of LBP, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Physical functions were measured by anthropometry (body fat percentage and muscle mass), Finger-Floor distance (FFD), back muscle strength, and upper body bending, and lumbar muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: Weight, BMI, body fat percentage, upper body bending, back muscle strength, and L3/4 iliocostalis lumborum CSA, current LBP were significantly higher in the leek farmer group. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in upper body bending, and history of LBP.

Conclusion: LBP was more common among leek farmers. The characteristics of leek farmers with LBP were history of LBP.