Anteroposterior curvatures of the spine in adolescent athletes.

Abstract

To assess the shape of anteroposterior vertebral curvatures in adolescents who practice team sports. 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. 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. 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.