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Overloading changes in the motor system occurring in elite gymnasts.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Top gymnasts show significant X-ray osteal changes in joints and spine due to training. Radiological changes often occur without pain, highlighting the need for screening and workload adjustments in gymnastics.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Elite gymnasts undergo rigorous training, potentially leading to musculoskeletal adaptations and injuries.
- Previous studies indicated the prevalence of training-related changes in athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess osteal changes in top-level gymnasts through radiological examinations.
- To analyze the relationship between training, pain complaints, and radiological findings.
- To propose recommendations for gymnast selection and training regulations.
Main Methods:
- Comparative radiological examinations of elite gymnasts in 1976 and 1980.
- Analysis of pain complaints reported during training in 1980.
- Documentation of specific osteal changes in joints and the lumbosacral (L-S) spinal segment.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of X-ray osteal changes in elbow (73.2%), spine (65.8%), shoulder (59.8%), and wrist (58.5%) joints.
- Observed spinal anomalies included S1 schistorrhachis, lumbarization, and sacralization.
- A notable discrepancy existed between reported pain and observed radiological changes, with many permanent changes being asymptomatic.
- Longer training durations correlated with more severe radiological changes.
Conclusions:
- Radiological examinations are crucial for assessing the impact of training on gymnasts' musculoskeletal systems.
- Findings suggest that radiological screening should be a criterion for gymnast selection.
- Proposed changes to International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) regulations aim to mitigate the motor system's workload.