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Effects of Cycling on Spine: A Case-Control Study Using a 3D Scanning Method
Antonino Patti1, Valerio Giustino1, Giuseppe Messina2,3
1Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 24, 2023
Summary
Cycling posture significantly alters the spine, leading to greater inclination and reduced lumbar lordosis in cyclists. This may contribute to lower back pain and highlights the need for spinal monitoring in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Prolonged cycling posture effects on the spine are under-researched.
- Recreational cyclists adopt specific, sustained postures during training and competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate upright spinal posture in recreational cyclists.
- To compare spinal parameters between cyclists and non-cyclist athletes.
- To investigate potential links between cycling posture and spinal changes.
Main Methods:
- Observational case-control study design.
- Inclusion of 25 recreational cyclists and 23 non-cyclist athletes.
- Utilized the Spine3D device for 3D spinal assessment.
Main Results:
- Cyclists exhibited significantly greater spinal inclination (p < 0.01).
- A significant reduction in lumbar lordosis was observed in the cycling group (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Reduced lumbar lordosis may be a contributing factor to lower back pain in cyclists.
- The Spine3D device is a viable tool for monitoring athletes' spines.
- Spinal monitoring can aid in preventing and mitigating musculoskeletal deficits in athletes.
