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Moderate-intensity running causes intervertebral disc compression in young adults
Michael Ian Kingsley1, Lindsay Antonio D'Silva, Cameron Jennings
1Exercise Physiology, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia. m.i.c.kingsley@swansea.ac.uk
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 1, 2012
Summary
Moderate-intensity running temporarily reduces intervertebral disc (IVD) height and volume in the spine. These changes in disc height and volume were observed in both thoracic and lumbar regions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Spinal Health
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Decreased intervertebral disc (IVD) volume can impair spinal load-carrying capacity.
- Running may cause temporary stature loss due to IVD compression.
- Understanding running's impact on IVDs is crucial for spinal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effect of moderate-intensity treadmill running on IVD height and volume.
- To investigate changes in both thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.
- To establish a baseline for future research on spinal loading and recovery.
Main Methods:
- Repeated-measures design with eight healthy young adults.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure IVD height and volume.
- Stature measurements using a stadiometer before and after running.
Main Results:
- Moderate-intensity running led to a 6.3% reduction in mean IVD height.
- A 6.9% reduction in calculated IVD volume was observed post-running.
- Day-to-day variations in IVD height and volume were minimal.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to quantify running's impact on IVD height and volume.
- Significant changes in IVD dimensions occurred across thoracic and lumbar spine regions.
- Future research should consider both spinal regions when studying loading and recovery.
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