Spinal sagittal configuration and mobility related to low-back pain in the female gymnast

The purpose of this study was to correlate low-back complaints in 64 female gymnasts (mean age, 12 years) to spinal sagittal configuration and mobility as measured by two noninvasive methods. Measurements by Debrunner's kyphometer and Myrin's inclinometer were highly correlated. Average thoracic kyphosis was 32 degrees, lumbar lordosis 35 degrees. The mean range of sagittal motion was 57 degrees in the thoracic spine and 113 degrees in the lumbar spine. On average, 1 degree of the total sagittal lumbar mobility was lost for every 1 degree of increased lordosis. Low-back pain (LBP) was reported by 20% of the girls, and these girls had a significantly larger lordosis (41 degrees) than girls with no history of LBP (35 degrees).