A study of changes in the spine in weight lifters and other athletes.
The present study was undertaken in sportsmen of those groups of sports activities where weight training exercises constitute a major part of the training. Two groups consisting of 25 weight-lifters and 25 track and field athletes were studied to find out the effect of sports activities and lifting weights on the spine. 84% weight-lifters and 72% track and field athletes suffered from varying abnormalities. Incidence of backache in 25 weight-lifters was 40% and in 25 track and field athletes 48%. Radiological changes were more common in weight-lifters (84%) than in athletes (72%). Reduction in lumbar lordosis was found in three cases (12%) in both the groups. Obtuse angle deformity of vertebral margins was found in 11 cases (44%) amongst weight-lifters and six cases (24%) amongst athletes. Osteophytic formation was found in six cases (24%) in weight-lifters and four cases (16%) in athletes. Schmorl's node were noticed in five cases (20%) amongst weight-lifters and seven cases (28%) amongst athletes. The incidences of spondylosis and Schmorl's node were found only in those cases who had been doing weight training exercises for more than four years.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000473:pathology; D013177:Sports; D013178:Sports Medicine; D014142:Track and Field; D014891:Weight Lifting