title: Multifidus muscle size and symmetry among elite weightlifters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine muscle cross-sectional areas (CSA) and symmetry of lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles in elite weightlifters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional observational study
  
  
  METHODS
  Neuromuscular and Pain Research Unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one elite weightlifters (15 males) participated in the study, representing the population of Thai weightlifters eligible for national selection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Resting CSA of the LM muscle were assessed bilaterally at 4 lumbar vertebral levels using ultrasound imaging. The between side differences (relative to the side of the preferred hand) were used to determine the asymmetry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The between side differences (relative to the preferred hand) of the LM muscle CSA were less than 3% for all vertebral levels and suggested symmetry between sides (p > .05). No difference was found between weightlifters with unilateral or bilateral pain symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides new information on resting CSA for the LM muscle in elite weightlifters. Future studies could investigate other aspects of neuromotor control of the LM muscle to determine if there are impairments which could be addressed in an attempt to decrease the high prevalence of LBP in this population.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intravarorot St., Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. asphi010@chiangmai.ac.th
authors.forename: Patraporn
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sitilertpisan
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hides
authors.forename: Warren
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stanton
authors.forename: Aatit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paungmali
authors.forename: Ubon
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Pirunsan
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult