Lower lumbar spine axial rotation is reduced in end-range sagittal postures when compared to a neutral spine posture.
Sports such as rowing, gymnastics, cycling and fast bowling in cricket that combine rotation with spine flexion and extension are known to carry greater risk of low back pain (LBP). Few studies have investigated the capacity of the lumbar spine to rotate in various sagittal positions, and further, these studies have generated disparate conclusions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the range of lower lumbar axial rotation (L3-S2) is decreased in end-range flexion and extension postures when compared to the neutral spine posture. Eighteen adolescent female rowers (mean age=14.9 years) with no history of LBP were recruited for this study. Lower lumbar axial rotation was measured by an electromagnetic tracking system (3-Space Fastrak) in end-range flexion, extension and neutral postures, in sitting and standing positions. There was a reduction in the range of lower lumbar axial rotation in both end-range extension and flexion (p<0.001) postures when compared to neutral. Further, the range of lower lumbar axial rotation measurements in flexion when sitting was reduced when compared to standing (p=0.013). These findings are likely due to the anatomical limitations of the passive structures in end-range sagittal postures.
Burnett
Angus
A
School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia. a.burnett@curtin.edu.au
O'Sullivan
Peter
P
Ankarberg
Lars
L
Gooding
Megan
M
Nelis
Rogier
R
Offermann
Frank
F
Persson
Jannike
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture; D054159:Torsion, Mechanical