Morphological and Compositional Features of Lumbar Multifidus in Athletes with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether there are morphological and compositional differences in the lumbar multifidus muscles between athletes with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) and those without. The analysis, which included 18 studies, found no significant differences in muscle cross-sectional area, thickness, or echo intensity between the two groups, although the authors noted limitations in study quality and methodology. Despite these findings, the use of ultrasound technology for assessing soft tissue in athletes remains promising.