The estimation of lumbar intervertebral disc volumes before and after exercise using the Cavalieri method

Abstract

Purpose Our aim in this study is to determine the volume differences of the lumbar intervertebral discs by using the Cavalieri method Subjects and methods In our study lumbar magnetic resonance imaging MRI was performed on male mean age years age range ndash years athletes without any known disease on the lumbar vertebra and discs immediately after resting and after a minute loading exercise The lumbar intervertebral disc volumes were measured by Cavalieri method and compared after resting and after exercise Statistical analyses of the results were carried out to evaluate changes in the disc volume Results The mean volume of the three lower lumbar intervertebral discs L L L L L L was centimetres cube after resting and centimetres cube after exercise Total volume decreased from centimetres cube to centimetres cube After a minute loading exercise a reduction was detected p lt Conclusion The reduction in the lumbar intervertebral disc volumes after exercise may be useful in providing predictive short term information through the Cavalieri method