Małgorzata Grabara1. 1. Department of Recreation, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Mikołowska street 72a, 40-065 Katowice, Poland. Tel.: +48 32 2075169; Fax +48 32 2075345; E-mail: m.grabara@awf.katowice.pl.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the shape of anteroposterior vertebral curvatures in adolescents who practice team sports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 57 females and 104 males aged 14-17 years, playing volleyball, basketball or handball, and 63 females and 99 males as a control group. A Rippstein plurimeter was used to measure the angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. RESULTS: The study has revealed significant differences in lumbar lordosis in male athletes compared to the control (p=0.01). Male volleyball players had greater thoracic kyphosis (p=0.002) than basketball players. Female athletes had lower thoracic kyphosis than the control group (p < 0.01). Normal values of thoracic kyphosis were more frequent in female athletes and male handball players whereas normal lumbar lordosis was more frequently seen in female volleyball players and male control group. Our investigations revealed significant (p < 0.05) correlations between the anteroposterior curvature of the spine and somatic parameters. CONCLUSION: Differences in thoracic kyphosis or lumbar lordosis among the athletes and the control group might be due to postural muscles strengthening as a result of regular engagement in intensive exercise. The variability of anteroposterior spine curvatures may not only be associated with directional physical activity; some contribution of the somatic structure is also possible.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the shape of anteroposterior vertebral curvatures in adolescents who practice team sports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 57 females and 104 males aged 14-17 years, playing volleyball, basketball or handball, and 63 females and 99 males as a control group. A Rippstein plurimeter was used to measure the angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. RESULTS: The study has revealed significant differences in lumbar lordosis in male athletes compared to the control (p=0.01). Male volleyball players had greater thoracic kyphosis (p=0.002) than basketball players. Female athletes had lower thoracic kyphosis than the control group (p < 0.01). Normal values of thoracic kyphosis were more frequent in female athletes and male handball players whereas normal lumbar lordosis was more frequently seen in female volleyball players and male control group. Our investigations revealed significant (p < 0.05) correlations between the anteroposterior curvature of the spine and somatic parameters. CONCLUSION: Differences in thoracic kyphosis or lumbar lordosis among the athletes and the control group might be due to postural muscles strengthening as a result of regular engagement in intensive exercise. The variability of anteroposterior spine curvatures may not only be associated with directional physical activity; some contribution of the somatic structure is also possible.
Authors: Pilar Sainz de Baranda; Antonio Cejudo; Victor Jesus Moreno-Alcaraz; Maria Teresa Martinez-Romero; Alba Aparicio-Sarmiento; Fernando Santonja-Medina Journal: PeerJ Date: 2020-01-02 Impact factor: 2.984
Authors: Anna Zwierzchowska; Eliza Gawel; Diana Celebanska; Aleksandra Mostowik; Michal Krzysztofik Journal: J Hum Kinet Date: 2022-02-10 Impact factor: 2.193
Authors: Jose Ramón Alvero-Cruz; Fernando Santonja-Medina; Jose Manuel Sanz-Mengibar; Pilar Sainz de Baranda Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-08 Impact factor: 3.390