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Lumbar pain and fin swimming
E Verni1, L Prosperi, C Lucaccini
1II Division of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
Summary
Low back pain in fin swimmers may stem from environmental and intrinsic factors, often linked to spine abnormalities exacerbated by training without precautions. Addressing these factors can improve pain and return to competition.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Physiopathology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Fin swimming may present unique physiopathological characteristics, particularly concerning the low back.
- Investigating the relationship between fin swimming and low back pain is crucial for athlete well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physiopathological features of low back pain in elite competitive fin swimmers.
- To identify potential contributing factors and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study involving 31 elite competitive fin swimmers (17 males, 14 females, aged 16-23).
- Data collected included anthropometric measures, isokinetic trunk flexor/extensor ratio, and radiological investigations.
- Interventions for the symptomatic group included medication, rest, and specific training/wearing advice.
Main Results:
- Low back pain was reported by 14 swimmers in the off-season and 7 in the competitive season.
- Radiological abnormalities were prevalent in both symptomatic (78.5%) and asymptomatic (52.9%) swimmers.
- A flexor/extensor ratio less than one was observed in 6 athletes with back discomfort.
- Interventions led to a pain-free return to competition in 57% and partial resolution in 28% of treated cases.
Conclusions:
- Low back pain in fin swimming is associated with environmental and intrinsic factors.
- No significant difference in imaging changes was found between symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes.
- Inadequate training precautions and environmental factors can exacerbate underlying spinal abnormalities, leading to symptomatic pain.