Sagittal Spinal Curvatures Research Articles

Relationship between plantar pressure distribution and sagittal spinal curvatures among handball players: A cross-sectional study

Background: Handball affects the spinal anterior–posterior curvatures and disturbs the foot plantar pressure which provides insights into alterations in an individual’s posture. However, little is known about how the mal-alignment affects the distribution of plantar pressure. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the thoracic kyphosis angle, and plantar pressure distribution among handball players. Methods: Sixty male handball players were distributed into two groups based on their thoracic kyphosis angles. Group A: 28 handball players with an angle greater than 44∘ (kyphotic group), and group B: 32 handball players with an angle equal to or less than 44∘ (normal group). The Formetric III 4D spine and DIERS Pedoscan devices were used to measure the trunk anthropometry and plantar pressure distribution. The Pearson correlation test was used to explore the relationship between the kyphosis angle and plantar pressure distribution. Results: Group A was significantly taller, had longer trunk length, greater lumbar lordosis angles, and forefoot plantar pressure (FPP), and less rearfoot plantar pressure (RPP) than group B ([Formula: see text]). They showed a highly significant positive correlation between the thoracic kyphosis angle and FPP, and a highly significant negative correlation with the RPP ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively). There was no correlation between the lumbar lordosis angle and FPP or RPP ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively). Conclusion: Handball players with greater thoracic kyphosis angle have greater lumbar lordosis angle. Increasing the thoracic kyphosis angle is strongly associated with increased FPP and decreased RPP. While there is no relationship between the lumbar lordosis angle and FPP or RPP.

Investigating the relationship between sagittal spinal curvature and fall incidence and fall risk among elderly nursing home residents.

Poor balance is an underlying cause of falling in the elderly, for which a change in the natural curvature of the spine plays a major role. Little is known about the relationship between spinal curvatures and fall incidence in this population. We primarily aimed to investigate the relationship between sagittal plane spinal curvatures and fall incidence over 1year among nursing facility residents. Secondarily, we aim to determine associations of sagittal plane spinal curvatures with participants' perception of fall risk and balance capability. Participants (100 residents mean age 70.17 ± 6.01years) underwent standing measures of sagittal plane spinal curvatures (flexible ruler technique) and forward displacement of the head relative to the cervical spine. The Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and Fall Efficacy Scale assessed participants' perception of balance and fear of falling. Incident falls were self-reported monthly and tracked across 1year. Spearman's correlations and logistic regression evaluated associations between fall incidence and spinal curvature. Predictive performance of spinal curvature and fall risk was determined by the corresponding ROC for defining a cut-off for variables of spinal curvature and fall risk indicators. Predictive performance of spinal curvature and fall risk factors indicated 84% and 77% of participants were correctly classified using models of kyphosis and head angle, respectively. Our study adds new data on spinal curvatures and incident falls among nursing facility residents. Efforts are needed to intervene to counter progression of spinal curvatures and improve fall prevention practices.

Sagittal spinal curvatures of young adults in the context of their self-reported physical activity and somatic parameters

The objective of this study was to assess the thoracic kyphosis (ThKA) and lumbar lordosis (LLA) in healthy young adults and to investigate potential relationships between spinal curvatures, self-reported physical activity (PA), and somatic parameters. The study included 380 female students and 211 male students aged 20.7 ± 1.5 years. The ThKA and LLA were measured using a Plurimeter-V gravity inclinometer. The level of PA was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. ThKA was lower in women compared to men, while LLA was higher in women than in men (p < 0.0001). Female students reported lower PA than male students (p < 0.001). Female students with ThKA within normal values reported a significantly higher amount of low-intensity PA compared to those with ThKA below or above the norm. A correlation was found between ThKA and body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), WC, and fat percentage (rho < 0.2), whereas LLA showed correlations with BMI, BAI, waist circumference, and fat percentage (rho < 0.2). Among male students, a correlation was found between LLA and BMI as well as WC (rho < 0.2). Maintaining a healthy body composition may be instrumental in mitigating the risk of developing spinal curvature abnormalities.

The relationship between body height and plantar pressure distribution in adult handball players: A cross-sectional study

Background/purpose The relationship between a handball player's upper body posture, body weight distribution in relation to body height is poorly understood. So, this study explored the relationship between body height and sagittal spinal curvatures and plantar pressure distribution in handball players. Method According to handball player's body height, 63 male handball players were divided into two groups; group A (age, 23.54 ± 1.32 years) consisted of 30 handball players with body height above average, and group B (age, 23.40 ± 1.73 years) consisted of 33 handball players with body height below average. The thoracic and lumbar curvatures and trunk height were measured with the Formetric III 4D spine, and the DIERS Pedoscan device was used to assess the plantar pressure distribution for both groups. Results The thoracic kyphosis of group A was significantly higher than that of group B ( p = 0.001), without a significant difference in lumbar lordosis ( p = 0.086). Group A showed a significant increase in the forefeet pressure and a significant decrease in the rearfeet pressure compared to group B ( p = 0.001). There was a high positive correlation between the body height and trunk length, and body height and kyphosis angle ( r = 0.932, r = 0.665, respectively). There was a high positive correlation between the body height and forefoot plantar pressure ( r = 0.665, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion The taller handball players have an increased thoracic kyphosis angle and forefeet pressure compared to shorter handball players.

Modern Concepts in Sagittal Curve Measurement: Comparison of Spline-Based and Fixed Landmark Measurements in a Cohort of 1520 Healthy Subjects.

Retrospective multicenter study. Our objective was to compare the spline-based measurement of sagittal spinal curvatures to fixed landmarks in a normative population. Recent research has stressed the importance of considering sagittal curvature in its entirety using a spline reconstruction. To date, no data supports the superiority of this method in comparison to classic measurement methods. Full-spine biplanar radiographs of subjects over 20 years old who had normal radiographs were analyzed. Thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured following two modalities: either using predefined landmarks (TK T1T12 , TK T5T12 , and LL L1S1 ) or spline-based measurement (TK Spline and LL spline ). A total of 1520 subjects were included (mean 54yo). The mean difference between TK spline and TK T1T12 was 1.4° and between TK spline and TK T5T12 was 11.7° ( P <0.001). LL spline was significantly larger than LL L1S1 (55° vs . 54°, P<0.001 ). LL spline and LL L1S1 were correlated ( R =0.950, P <0.001). Pelvic incidence had no influence on the difference between LL spline and LL L1S1 ( R =-0.034, P= 0.184). Using LL L1S1 measurements, LL was underestimated in 17% of the cases. The comparison of outlier distributions according to age groups ( P =0.175), sex ( P =0.937), or pelvic incidence groups ( P =0.662) found no difference. There were significantly more outliers in Roussouly type 1 compared with other types (56%, P <0.001). Our results suggest that the use of TK T1T12 and LL L1S1 is acceptable to assess spinal sagittal curvatures. However, TK T5T12 is not accurate for the thoracic curve and should be used with caution. LL L1S1 can be used to accurately assess the lumbar curve, except in Roussouly type 1.

Compensation mechanisms for post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis

Objective. To identify the mechanism of deformity compensation in patients with post-traumatic kyphosis of the thoracolumbar junction, based on the analysis of X-ray results of surgical treatment.Material and Methods. The study included data obtained from medical records of 69 patients (47 women, 22 men) operated on for painful post-traumatic kyphosis at the levels of T12, L1 and L2 vertebra. Patients underwent staged surgical interventions in a single surgical session. Demographic data and X-ray results of surgical treatment were evaluated.Results. As a result of surgical interventions, post-traumatic kyphosis (LK) was corrected to an average of 1.9°. After correction of kyphosis, statistically significant changes in the parameters of sagittal spinal curvatures were revealed: an increase in thoracic kyphosis (TK), a decrease in lumbar lordosis (LL), including due to lower lumbar lordosis (LowLL). At the same time, the parameters of the spinopelvic balance (PT, SS) did not change. Statistically significant correlations (p &lt; 0.001) were detected between the magnitude of local kyphosis correction (LK preOP-LKpostOP), which amounted to 33.63° ± 8.77°, and parameters of lumbar lordosis ΔLL, thoracic kyphosis ΔTK and ΔPI-LL. Parameters of global sagittal balance and pelvic balance did not show correlations with the magnitude of kyphosis correction. The X-ray study of patients in Group I (without signs of initial sagittal imbalance) and Group II (with signs of sagittal imbalance) revealed a statistically significant difference in global balance (GT) and spinopelvic balance (PT, SS, LowLL), both before and after correction intervention in the thoracolumbar junction area, despite comparable indicators of sagittal spinal curvatures and the magnitude of post-traumatic kyphosis,.Conclusion. The main compensation mechanism includes changes in the spinal departments adjacent to kyphosis: a decrease in thoracic kyphosis and an increase in lumbar lordosis, rather than changes in the global or spinopelvic balance.

Effects of an 8-week multimodal program on thoracic posture, glenohumeral range of motion and serve performance in competitive young tennis players.

Intensive tennis practice is known to generate sport-specific adaptations at the shoulder region and influence the sagittal spinal curvature. However, increased thoracic kyphosis decreases the shoulder functional capacity, which could limit tennis performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week multimodal program on thoracic posture, glenohumeral range of motion, and serve performance in competitive young tennis players. Eighteen male and four female players (age: 16.0 ± 2.4 years, height: 170.7 ± 11.0 cm; mass: 62.1 ± 11.5 kg; International Tennis Number: 3-4) performed their regular training during 8 weeks, which was used as a reference period, and implemented a multimodal program including stretching, strengthening, and myofascial release exercises, four times per week during 8 additional weeks, which corresponded to the intervention period. The thoracic curvature angle and mobility, the biacromial and interscapular distances, the glenohumeral range of motion and the tennis serve performance were assessed three times, i.e., before and after the regular training and after the 8-week multimodal program. The results showed that the 8-week regular training had no significant effects on thoracic curvature angle [effect size (ES) = 0.02-0.36, p = 0.06-0.46] and mobility (ES = 0.05-0.26, p = 0.13-0.42), biacromial (ES = 0.05, p = 0.18) and interscapular distances (ES = 0.03, p = 0.45), ranges of motion in glenohumeral internal (ES = 0.04, p = 0.43) and external rotation (ES = 0.43, p = 0.06), and tennis serve accuracy (ES = 0.33, p = 0.07) and velocity (ES = 0.09, p = 0.35). The 8-week multimodal program increased moderately the thoracic mobility (ES = 0.55, p = 0.01), moderately to strongly the serve accuracy and velocity (ES = 0.65, p = 0.003, for both), strongly decreased the interscapular distance (ES = 1.02, p < 0.001), and strongly increased the range of motion in glenohumeral internal (ES = 0.90, p < 0.001) and external rotation (ES = 1.49, p < 0.001). These findings indicated that an 8-week multimodal program, including spine and glenohumeral mobility and shoulder girdle strength exercises, performed four times per week during 8 weeks, is moderately relevant to rectify the sagittal thoracic curvature in competitive tennis players, while such a program may help regain the range of motion in glenohumeral rotation without tennis serve performance impairment.

Scoliosis and Kyphosis Prevalence in Turner Syndrome: A Retrospective Review at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Medical Center.

The prevalence of major coronal and sagittal spinal curves (scoliosis and kyphosis) in Turner syndrome (TS) is not well established due to limited reporting. The relationship between growth hormone (GH) therapy and its effect on TS spinal curve incidence is also not well established. A retrospective chart review of 306 TS patients from 2007 to 2021 evaluated major coronal and sagittal spinal curves, progression of the curve, and treatment with GH. Statistical significance (defined as P <0.05) between curvature rates and curve progression was compared between GH-treated patients and non-GH-treated patients using a χ 2 or Fisher exact test when appropriate. Thirty-seven of 306 (12%) TS patients had a radiographically relevant spinal deformity. Twenty-seven of 37 (73%) had mild; 4 of 37 (11%) had moderate, and 6 of 37 (16%) had severe curves. Of those with severe, 4 underwent spinal fusion, 1 was treated with bracing, and 1 was braced before a cardiovascular-related death. Regarding GH use among TS patients, 190 of 306 (62%) used GH versus 116 of 306 (38%) who did not. Of those with a spinal curve, 24 of 37 (65%) used GH compared with 13 of 37 (35%) who did not. On univariate analysis, GH therapy was not a risk factor for the diagnosis of a major spinal curve, a more severe degree of the curve at the time of diagnosis, or spinal curve progression ( P >0.05 for all). This is the largest single institution retrospective review of a TS cohort known to the authors assessing spinal curve prevalence and relation to GH treatment and demonstrates a TS spinal curve rate of 12% (37/306). Four of six (11%) TS patients with a severe curve underwent corrective spine fusion. There was no relationship between the use of GH and the presence of a spinal curve or curve progression. Further study is warranted to determine risk factors for curve progression. Level III. This retrospective case series serves to review and address the prevalence of spinal deformity in TS patients and whether GH impacts worsening deformity.

Correlations between trunk muscle cross sectional areas and sagittal spinal curves in Australian Football athletes

Background: Preventing lower limb injuries in Australian Football League (AFL) is a primary focus of medical teams across the competition. Smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle has been identified as an injury risk factor in AFL athletes. Understanding why this is a risk factor has been largely theoretical. It has been shown that increased volume of the multifidus and lumbar erector spinae muscles is related to increased curvature in the lower lumbar spine. Identification of the relationships between the CSA of the multifidus, sagittal spinal angles, as well as CSAs of other trunk muscles could help us better understand why multifidus CSA is an injury risk factor for AFL athletes.

Risk Factors for, and Prediction of, Shoulder Pain in Young Badminton Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Shoulder pain (SP) caused by hitting the shuttlecock is common in young badminton players. The objectives of the present study were to predict the risk factors for SP in young badminton players, and to determine the optimal risk factor cut-off that best discriminates those players who are at higher risk of suffering from SP. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 45 under-17 badminton players who participated in the Spanish Championship. Data were collected on anthropometric age, sports history, sagittal spinal curves, range of motion (ROM) and maximum isometric strength of shoulder. After 12 months, players completed a SP history questionnaire. Bayesian Student’s t-analysis, binary logistic regression analysis and ROC analysis were performed. Results: Overall, 18 (47.4%) players reported at least one episode of SP. The shoulder internal rotation (SIR) ROM showed the strongest association (OR = 1.122; p = 0.035) with SP. The SIR ROM has an excellent ability to discriminate players at increased risk for SP (p = 0.001). The optimal cut-off for SIR ROM, which predicts players with an 81% probability of developing SP, was set at 55° (sensitivity = 75.0%, specificity = 83.3%). Conclusions: The young badminton players who had a shoulder internal rotation ROM of 55° or less have a higher risk of SP one year later.

Sagittal Spinal Mobility and Back Extensor Muscle Function in Older Females with Age-Related Hyperkyphosis

Introduction: Spinal range of motion (ROM) is a potential and modifiable variable that may contribute to the maintenance of upright sagittal alignment. The present study aimed to compare spinal ROM in older females with and without hyperkyphosis and investigate associations between thoracic kyphosis and spinal ROM, back extensor strength (BES), and back extensor endurance (BEE).Materials and Methods: Sagittal spinal curvature and ROM were measured with the Spinal Mouse. Also, BES and BEE were assessed with a load cell. Variables were compared between older females with and without hyperkyphosis with the independent sample t test. We used the Pearson correlation coefficient to calculate associations between variables. Multiple linear regression was used to find which variable is best associated with kyphosis.Results: Lumbar and total spinal ROM were lower in the hyperkyphosis compared to the normal group (P&lt;0.05). Thoracic kyphosis was associated with total lumbar ROM (r=-0.30, P=0.03), total spinal ROM (r=-0.35, P=0.01), BES (r=-0.73, P&lt; 0.001), and BEE (r=-0.60, P&lt; 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for age, weight, and BMI showed that BES (P&lt;0.001) and BEE (P=0.01) but not spinal ROM (P=0.16) were significantly associated with thoracic kyphosis.Conclusion: Females with hyperkyphosis had lower spinal ROM than those with normal kyphosis. While thoracic kyphosis was significantly associated with total lumbar ROM, total spinal ROM, BES, and BEE, multivariate regression showed that ROM was not a significant contributor to thoracic kyphosis. BES and BEE were significant contributors to thoracic kyphosis and should be targeted in the rehabilitation of hyperkyphosis.

Effects of a Pilates programme in spinal curvatures and hamstring extensibility in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis: a randomised controlled trial

AimTo evaluate the effects of a 9-month Pilates exercise programme on the sagittal spinal posture and hamstring extensibility of adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis.DesignRandomised controlled trial with blinded examiner.PatientsOne-hundred and three...

Effects of a Pilates programme in spinal curvatures and hamstring extensibility in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis: a randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effects of a 9-month Pilates exercise programme on the sagittal spinal posture and hamstring extensibility of adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Randomised controlled trial with blinded examiner. One-hundred and three adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Participants were randomly placed into an experimental group which participated in a Pilates exercise programme implemented for a total of 38 weeks (two sessions/week, 15 min/session) (Pilates group (PG), sample = 49, or control group (CG), sample = 48). The outcome measures were the thoracic curve in sagittal spinal curvature in relaxed standing, sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in relaxed standing and sit-and-reach positions, and hamstring extensibility. There was a significant adjusted mean difference between groups in favour of the PG in the thoracic curve in relaxed standing position (-5.6°, p = 0.003), pelvic tilt (-2.9°, p = 0.03) and all straight leg tests (p<0.001). The PG showed a significant change in thoracic curve (-5.9, p<0.001) and in lumbar angle (4.0, p = 0.001) in relaxed standing position and in all straight leg raise tests (+6.4 to +15°, p<0.0001). The adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis from the PG had a decreased thoracic kyphosis in relaxed standing position, and improved hamstring extensibility as compared with the CG. More than 50% of the participants obtained kyphosis values inside normality, showing an adjusted mean difference between groups in the thoracic curve of about 73% of the baseline mean, resulting in a large improvement and high clinical importance. NCT03831867.

Computer-Aided Diagnosis for Determining Sagittal Spinal Curvatures Using Deep Learning and Radiography.

Analyzing spinal curvatures manually is time-consuming and tedious for clinicians, and intra-observer and inter-observer variability can affect manual measurements. In this study, we developed and evaluated the performance of an automated deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool for measuring the sagittal alignment of the spine from X-ray images. The CAD system proposed here performs two functions: deep learning-based lateral spine segmentation and automatic analysis of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles. We utilized 322 datasets with data augmentation for learning and fivefold cross-validation. The segmentation model was based on U-Net, which has multiple applications in medical image processing. Here, we utilized parameter equations and trigonometric functions to design spinal angle measurement algorithms. The kyphosis (T4-T12) and lordosis angle (L1-S1, L1-L5) were automatically measured to help diagnose kyphosis and lordosis. The segmentation model had precision, sensitivity, and dice similarity coefficient values of 90.53 ± 4.61%, 89.53 ± 1.8%, and 90.22 ± 0.62%, respectively. The performance of the CAD algorithm was also verified with the Pearson correlation, Bland-Altman, and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. The proposed angle measurement algorithm exhibited high similarity and reliability during verification. Therefore, CAD can help clinicians in reaching a diagnosis by analyzing the sagittal spinal curvatures while reducing observer-based variability and the required time or effort.

The Impact of Internal Compensatory Mechanisms on Musculoskeletal Pain in Elite Polish Sitting Volleyball Players - a Preliminary Study.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of (1) maximal muscular strength of the upper body and (2) fat mass on musculoskeletal pain and sagittal spinal curvature deviations in elite Polish sitting volleyball players. The study examined twelve players (age = 35.4 ± 6.9 years). The assessments were performed based on objective (anthropometric examinations, Medi Mouse, 1RM test) and subjective (NMQ = 7) measurements. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS. The lower back, the upper back and the neck were the most frequent painful areas. Statistical analyses showed a significant relationship between lumbar lordosis (LL) sagittal standing extension (r = 0.62; p = 0.03) and thoracic kyphosis (TK) sagittal standing flexion (r = -0.63; p = 0.28) with the 1RM. Furthermore, correlations between a body adiposity index and TK sagittal standing flexion and extension (r = -0.65; p = 0.05, r = - 0.58; p = 0.0.05) as well as LL sagittal standing flexion (r = 0.61; p = 0.05) were found. The body mass index correlated with wrist pain, whereas a very high relationship was found between pain in the wrists and knee joints. Neck pain positively correlated with TK and LL sagittal standing. Low back pain correlated with LL sagittal standing flexion and TK sagittal standing extension. Fat mass impacts the depth of anteroposterior spinal curvatures, what may cause pain in the neck and the lower back. The 1 RM bench press may influence the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal pain, whereas its values might be predicted by the depth of TK. A lower 1RM in the bench press may impact sagittal spinal curvature deviations. Deepen TK and LL significantly contribute to the prevalence of the neck pain.

Do sagittal spinal curvature and back extensor endurance correlate with gait and balance measures in people with degenerative spinal conditions?

Do sagittal spinal curvature and back extensor endurance correlate with gait and balance measures in people with degenerative spinal conditions?

Effect of Compensatory Mechanisms on Postural Disturbances and Musculoskeletal Pain in Elite Sitting Volleyball Players: Preparation of a Compensatory Intervention.

The aim of the study was to identify the effect of compensatory mechanisms on the prevalence of sagittal spinal curvature deformity and musculoskeletal pain and to assess the interrelationships between those components in sitting volleyball players. Twenty-one elite Polish sitting volleyball players (age = 34.1 ± 7.5, BM = 77.9 ± 16.0) participated in the study in which direct participatory systematic observation and a non-invasive method were used. Both objective (anthropometric, spinal curvature–Idiag M360) and subjective (musculoskeletal ailments–NMQ = 7) measurements were performed. The Statistica 13.3 software package was used for statistical analyses. The neck, lower back (43%), and upper back (38%) were the most frequently reported painful areas. Of all participants, 76% reported sagittal spinal deformities. In the habitual position, the results indicated moderate correlations (r = 0.5, p < 0.05) between the lumbar concavity of the back and low back pain (LBP) and between thoracic convexity and LBP (r = 0.4, p < 0.05). Internal and external compensation have an effect on the prevalence of spinal curvature deformities in the sagittal plane, with thoracic hyperkyphosis (38%) and lumbar hyperlordosis (33%) being the most common. More severe lower and upper back pain were correlated with greater angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in the habitual position.

Spinal curvatures of yoga practitioners compared to control participants-a cross-sectional study.

PurposeThe angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis determine the spinal alignment in the sagittal plane. The aim of this study was to compare the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis of male and female yoga practitioners with non-practicing participants and to determine the possible dependencies between sagittal spinal curvatures and somatic parameters, time spent on yoga exercise, and undertaking other physical activities in yoga practitioners.MethodsThe study involved 576 women and 91 men ages 18–68 years (mean = 38.5 ± 9) who were practicing yoga, and 402 women and 176 men ages 18–30 years (mean = 20.2 ± 1.3) as a control group. The angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were measured using a Plurimeter-V gravity inclinometer.ResultsThe two-way ANOVA demonstrated the influence of group (p < .0001) and sex (p = .03) on the angle of thoracic kyphosis, as well as the influence of group (p < .0001) and sex (p < .0001) on the angle of lumbar lordosis. It was noted that yoga practitioners had less pronounced thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis and were more often characterized by normal or smaller thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis than students from the control group. In yoga practitioners, the angle of thoracic kyphosis was positively correlated with age, body mass, BMI, and undertaking other forms of physical activity. The angle of lumbar lordosis was negatively correlated with body height and body mass.ConclusionsThe results suggest that yoga exercises can affect the shape of the anterior-posterior curves of the spine and may be an efficient training method for shaping proper posture in adults.

The Potential Role of Hamstring Extensibility on Sagittal Pelvic Tilt, Sagittal Spinal Curves and Recurrent Low Back Pain in Team Sports Players: A Gender Perspective Analysis.

It is assumed that mechanical restriction of hamstring tightness disrupts sagittal spine–pelvis–leg alignment and alters the lumbar–pelvic rhythm predisposing to low back pain (LBP) in athletes; however, this association is not clear. A prospective cross-sectional cohort study was conducted to determine the influence of hamstring extensibility (HE) on sagittal pelvic tilt, sagittal spinal curves, and LBP in 94 soccer and basketball players (61 man and 33 woman) with (n = 36) and without recurrent LBP (n = 58). Descriptive analysis displayed significant gender differences for HE, sagittal pelvic tilt, and lumbar curve. Differences were found between the low-HE and high-HE groups in lumbosacral angle in for the maximum trunk forward flexion (LH-MTFP). Low-HE was associated with LH-MTFP, lumbar curve and LBP in male players (p ≤ 0.023). In female players, LH-MTFP and lumbar curve were associated with low-HE (p ≤ 0.020). Low-HE predicted LH-MTFP (p = 0.000; OR = 65.6950) and LBP (p = 0.028; OR = 13.915) in male players. The decision tree analysis showed that 50.8% of the players were classified with restricted LH-MTFP, 77.4% with low-HE among male players. The 100% of male players with recurrent LBP had low-HE. The 65% of female players with low-HE had restricted LH-MTFP. Measurement of HE, lumbar curve, and LH-MTFP are important in making training decisions for to reduce the incidence of recurrent LBP in soccer and basketball players.

The association of reactive balance control and spinal curvature under lumbar muscle fatigue.

BackgroundAlthough low back fatigue is an important intervening factor for physical functioning among sedentary people, little is known about its possible significance in relation to the spinal posture and compensatory postural responses to unpredictable stimuli. This study investigates the effect of lumbar muscle fatigue on spinal curvature and reactive balance control in response to externally induced perturbations.MethodsA group of 38 young sedentary individuals underwent a perturbation-based balance test by applying a 2 kg load release. Sagittal spinal curvature and pelvic tilt was measured in both a normal and Matthiass standing posture both with and without a hand-held 2 kg load, and before and after the Sørensen fatigue test.ResultsBoth the peak anterior and peak posterior center of pressure (CoP) displacements and the corresponding time to peak anterior and peak posterior CoP displacements significantly increased after the Sørensen fatigue test (all at p < 0.001). A lumbar muscle fatigue led to a decrease of the lumbar lordosis in the Matthiass posture while holding a 2 kg load in front of the body when compared to pre-fatigue conditions both without a load (p = 0.011, d = 0.35) and with a 2 kg load (p = 0.000, d = 0.51). Also the sacral inclination in the Matthiass posture with a 2 kg additional load significantly decreased under fatigue when compared to all postures in pre-fatigue conditions (p = 0.01, d = 0.48). Contrary to pre-fatigue conditions, variables of the perturbation-based balance test were closely associated with those of lumbar curvature while standing in the Matthiass posture with a 2 kg additional load after the Sørensen fatigue test (r values in range from −0.520 to −0.631, all at p < 0.05).ConclusionThese findings indicate that lumbar muscle fatigue causes changes in the lumbar spinal curvature and this is functionally relevant in explaining the impaired ability to maintain balance after externally induced perturbations. This emphasizes the importance for assessing both spinal posture and reactive balance control under fatigue in order to reveal their interrelations in young sedentary adults and predict any significant deterioration in later years.