Effects of athletic training on the spinal curvature in child athletes

Betsch M, Furian T, Quack V, Rath B, Wild M, Rapp W (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Research in Sports Medicine Taylor & Francis

Book Volume: 23

Pages Range: 190-202

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2015.1005297

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the spinal posture in young athletes depending on training intensity. The spinal curvature of 245 children, age 8 to 12 years, was evaluated using rasterstereography. According to their weekly training time group 1 (mean age: 9.54 ± 1.18) did 2-6, group 2 (mean age: 9.49 ± 0.87) did 6-15 and group 3 (mean age: 9.68 ± 0.87) did over 15 hours of training. Group 1 had a significantly higher weight (p = 0.028) (33.86 ± 7. kg) than those of the more active groups (30.67 ± 6.49 kg and 29.46 ± 4.33 kg). The mean kyphotic angle decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with the amount of training per week from 46.86 ± 8.2° in group 1 to 40.08 ± 8° in group 3. We also found a significant decrease (p = 0.047) in lateral deviation with training from group 1 with 5.3 ± 3 mm to group 2 with 4.1 ± 1.6 mm. The results of our study suggest that higher training time can be associated with lower weight and decreases in thoracic kyphosis and lateral deviation of the spine.

Authors with CRIS profile

Marcel Betsch

Involved external institutions

Klinikum Darmstadt DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Aachen (UKA) DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Tübingen DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Betsch, M., Furian, T., Quack, V., Rath, B., Wild, M., & Rapp, W. (2015). Effects of athletic training on the spinal curvature in child athletes. Research in Sports Medicine, 23(2), 190-202. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2015.1005297

MLA:

Betsch, Marcel, et al. "Effects of athletic training on the spinal curvature in child athletes." Research in Sports Medicine 23.2 (2015): 190-202.

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