Spinal posture, sagittal mobility, and subjective rating of back problems in former female elite gymnasts

This study analyzed posture, spinal sagittal mobility, and subjective back problems in former female elite gymnasts in comparison with matched control subjects. The former gymnasts had less thoracic kyphosis than the control subjects. No difference in thoracic range of motion was found. In the lumbar spine there was no difference as to either posture or sagittal motion. The former gymnasts did not report a higher frequency of current back problems. In the former gymnasts 27% had subjective back problems. In the control subjects the corresponding value was 38%. We did not find any correlation between posture or range of motion and subjective rating of back problems in either of the groups. In conclusion, former female elite gymnasts did not have more back problems than an age matched control group.