Training load as the conditioning of vertebral column dysfunction in road cyclists

Abstract

Background. Spinal dysfunctions pose significant problems for road cyclists as they affect their efficiency and the quality of life. Despite this,fact only few studies are focused on the effect of training on the aforementioned dysfunctions. This gap in literature is even bigger as far as competitive/professional road cycling is concerned, despite the significant load the competitors are exposed to. This study is focused on understanding how different components of training load affect dysfunction of the vertebral column in road cyclists, both competitive and amateur ones. Additionally, the thesis how the program of adequate bioregeneration can contribute to reduction of spinal dysfunction risk is analyzed. Material and methods. The samle included 60 cyclists. The participants were divided into two groups: 30 competitive road cyclists UCI World Tour (first division) and 30 amateur road cyclists. The aim of the study was to understand the effect of different components of training load on the on the origin of spinal dysfunction in road cyclists . A questionnaire including the questions concerning personal data, the length of the road cyclist’s training period, training load, complementary training as the frequency and location of back pain, and also the questions, as the questions focused on information on the sustained injuries and contusions as well as as the access and the quality of the physiotherapeutic procedure. Results. The study using statistical tools revealed that many aspects of training affect vertebral column dysfunction in road cyclists, both competitive and amateur ones. The results also suggest that both professional and amateur cyclists should pay more attention to prevention and treatment of back pain. These procedures may involve regular workouts strengthening and stabilizing the vertebral column, control of training load as well as regular assessment by a physiotherapist. However, it was impossible to develop a concrete mathematical pattern for prognosing the aforementioned dysfunctions. Conclusion. The study provides new information on the training record in cyclists on the prevalence of back pain in road cyclists. The study found significant differences between the analyzed variables, however, in no case, the designated linear regression function allowed description of these relationships. This may indicate that the relationships are more complicated than it is suggested based on a simple linear model or that there are other factors responsible for back pain, which were not taken into consideration in this model. Further research using more complex regression models or taking into consideration additional variables are required for better understanding of the factors affecting vertebral column dysfunction in road cyclists – it will be the subject of further research by the authors.