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Scoliosis in Rhythmic Gymnasts

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Abstract and Figures

An anamnestic, clinical, radiographic study of 100 girls actively engaged in rhythmic gymnastics was performed in an attempt to explain the higher incidence and the specific features of scoliosis in rhythmic gymnastic trainees. To analyze the anthropometry, the regimen of motion and dieting, the specificity of training in rhythmic gymnastics, and the growth and maturing of the trainees, and to outline the characteristics of the scoliotic curves observed. An etiologic hypothesis for this specific subgroup of scoliosis is proposed. The etiology of scoliosis remains unknown in most cases despite extensive research. In the current classifications, no separate type of sports-associated scoliosis is suggested. The examinations included anamnesis, weight and height measurements, growth and maturing data, eating regimen, general and back status, duration, intensity, and specific elements of rhythmic gymnastic training. Radiographs were taken in all the patients with suspected scoliosis. The results obtained were compared with the parameters of normal girls not involved in sports. A 10-fold higher incidence of scoliosis was found in rhythmic gymnastic trainees (12%) than in their normal coevals (1.1%). Delay in menarche and generalized joint laxity are common in rhythmic gymnastic trainees. The authors observed a significant physical loading with the persistently repeated asymmetric stress on the growing spine associated with the nature of rhythmic gymnastics. Some specific features of scoliosis related to rhythmic gymnastics were found also. This study identified a separate scoliotic entity associated with rhythmic gymnastics. The results strongly suggest the important etiologic role of a "dangerous triad": generalized joint laxity, delayed maturity, and asymmetric spinal loading.
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SPINE Volume 25, Number 11,
pp
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©2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Scoliosis in Rhythmic Gymnasts
Panayot
I.
Tanchev,
MD,
Assen
D.
Dzherov,
MD,
Anton
D.
Parushev,
MD,
Dobrin
M.
Dikov,
MD,
and
Miroslav
B.
Todorov,
MD
Study
Design.
An
anamnestic,
clinical,
radiographic
study
of
100
girls
actively
engaged
in
rhythmic
gymnas-
tics was
performed
in an
attempt
to
explain
the
higher
incidence
and
the
specific
features
of
scoliosis
in
rhyth-
mic
gymnastic
trainees.
Objectives.
To
analyze
the
anthropometry,
the
regi-
men
of
motion
and
dieting,
the
specificity
of
training
in
rhythmic
gymnastics,
and
the
growth
and
maturing
of
the
trainees,
and
to
outline
the
characteristics
of
the
scoliotic
curves
observed.
An
etiologic
hypothesis
for
this
specific
subgroup
of
scoliosis
is
proposed.
Summary
of
Background
Data.
The
etiology
of
scoli-
osis
remains
unknown
in
most
cases
despite
extensive
research. In
the
current
classifications,
no
separate
type
of
sports-associated
scoliosis
is
suggested.
Methods.
The
examinations
included
anamnesis,
weight
and
height
measurements,
growth
and
maturing
data,
eating
regimen,
general
and
back
status,
duration,
intensity,
and
specific
elements
of
rhythmic
gymnastic
training.
Radiographs
were
taken
in
all
the
patients
with
suspected
scoliosis.
The
results
obtained
were
compared
with
the
parameters
of
normal
girls
not
involved
in
sports.
Results. A
10-fold
higher
incidence
of
scoliosis
was
found
in
rhythmic
gymnastic
trainees
(12%)
than
in
their
normal
coevals
(1.1
%).
Delay
in
menarche
and
general-
ized
joint
laxity
are
common
in
rhythmic
gymnastic
train-
ees.
The
authors
observed
a
significant
physical
loading
with
the
persistently
repeated
asymmetric
stress
on
the
growing
spine
associated
with
the
nature
of
rhythmic
gymnastics.
Some
specific
features
of
scoliosis
related
to
rhythmic
gymnastics
were
found
also.
Conclusions.
This
study
identified
a
separate
scoliotic
entity
associated
with
rhythmic
gymnastics.
The
results
strongly
suggest
the
important
etiologic
role
of
a
"dan-
gerous
triad":
generalized
joint
laxity,
delayed
maturity,
and
asymmetric
spinal
loading.
[Key
words:
asymmetric
spinal
loading,
delayed
maturity,
generalized
joint
laxity,
rhythmic
gymnastics,
scoliosis,
sportl
Spine
2000:25:1367-1372
Despite extensive research, the etiology
of
idiopathic sco-
liosis remains
unknown.
Different theories have been dis-
cussed,
but
none
of
them has been definitely proved.
Debates
concerning
the
primary
and
the
secondary
changes in the deformed spine still continue,
but
to
little
avail. This helplessness
is
reflected
in
the accepted
"mul-
tifactorial origin"
of
idiopathic scoliosis.
However, as the research advances, some "idiopathic"
forms find their primum mavens and may
be
classified
else-
From the
Gorna
Bania University
Hospital
of
Orthopaedics, Spine
Surgery
Department,
Sofia, Bulgaria.
Acknowledgment date:
November
6,1998.
First revision date:
February
4,
1999.
Acceptance date:
August
6,1999.
Device status category: 1.
Conflict
of
interest categories:
12,
14.
where. Empiric observations gave impetus to important med-
ical findings in the past,
and
could
be
useful now as well.
In Bulgaria, rhythmic gymnastics (RG)
is
a very pop-
ular
sport
among
girls
and
young
women.
Almost every
school has a training
group.
However,
the
most
talented
girls are
trained
in professional clubs
according
to
special
training
programs
(Figure 1).
But
this spectacular
sport
has
turned
out
to
create problems. As the
only
special-
ized
department
for spinal disorders
in
Bulgaria,
the
au-
thors'
institution offers the chance
to
observe a disquiet-
ing
number
of
consecutive cases
of
scoliosis
in
girls
engaged in
RG
for a longer period
(5-10
years).
To
date,
no
existing classifications
of
spinal deformities
include a scoliotic category etiologically related to sports.
There have been some rare reports
on
scoliosis associated
with ballet
14
and some other sports such as tennis and jav-
elin throwing,8 but without etiologic implications.
The long-term observations
of
the current authors mo-
tivated them
to
plan
and
perform this study with purposes
to
establish the real incidence
of
scoliosis in
RG
trainees, to
analyze its specific features,
and
to try suggesting some eti-
ologic explanations for this specific scoliotic form.
Materials
and
Methods
This study included
100
girls ages 10
to
16
years (average,
12.44
± 1.65 years)
who
had
been
trained
in
RG
for
more
than
5 years. Primarily, 105 rhythmic gymnasts were evaluated,
but
for the
purpose
of
selecting participants exposed only
to
effects
from practicing RG, 2 girls
with
spina bifida occulta
of
L5
were
excluded
from
this study, along
with
1 girl with isthmic spon-
dylolisthesis
at
L5-Sl.
The
3
of
them
had
undergone
previous
radiograph
examinations
for
low
back
problems.
Also ex-
cluded were 2
who
reported anamnestically
that
members
of
their families experienced some spinal disorders. As a result,
100
RG
trainees were selected
who
had
no
familial anamnesis
for spinal deformity
and
no
past
diseases
or
congenital abnor-
malities
known
to
result in secondary scoliosis.
The
evaluation included a history
of
familial
and
past
dis-
eases, weight
and
height measurements,
growth
and
maturing
(menarche), eating regimen (dieting, anorexic behavior), gen-
eral
and
back
physical examination,
radiographic
verification
of
all patients with suspected scoliosis,
duration,
intensity,
and
specific moments
of
the training process (e.g., physical over-
loading, asymmetric loading
of
the
spine).
The
anthropometric,
growth,
and
maturing
data
of
the
RG
trainees were compared with the average
data
for Bulgarian
girls
of
the same age
group
in nationwide statistical surveys.2
The
t test
was
used for statistical analysis.
Results
Physical examination
of
the back, including the forward
bending test, revealed back asymmetry
in
16
girls subjected
to radiographic examination. Four
of
the girls
who
received
1367
1~68
Spine·
Volume
25·
Number
11
2000
Figure
1.
Typical body habitus of a 16-year-old rhythmic gymnast.
Exercise with a ball.
radiographs showed
no
structural scoliosis.
Of
the RG
trainees, 12
had
scoliotic curves
of
10°
or
more (range,
10-30°), thus presenting a very high incidence
of
12%
(Figure 2). A significant difference was observed when this
Figure
2.
A lumbar scoliotic curve of
20°
with right convexity in a
14-year-old girl who actively trained
in
rhythmic gymnastics for 6
years.
Table
1.
Juxtaposition
of
Anthropometric.
Growth.
and
Maturing
Data
in
Rhythmic
Gymnastics
Trainees
and
Nontrainees
Trainees Nontrainees
tTest
Age (yr)
12.44
:!:
1.65
13:!:
1.50
P>
0.05
Height (em)
151.38
:!:
9.66
155.3
:!:
6.80
P <
0.01
Weight (kg)
36.32
:!:
6.89
47
:!:
9.40
P <
0.001
Right-handed (%)
99
82
P <
0.05
Joint laxity* (%)
100
5P <
0.001
Menarehet (%)
10
90
P <
0.001
Tests
for
generalized joint laxity according
to
Carter and Wilkinson.'
t Bulgarian girls have
their
menarche at
the
average age
of
12.30 :': 1.26 years
according
to
Damianova and Stanchev.2
percentage was compared with the percentage
of
scoliosis
in normal girls
of
the same age group (1.1 %), which was
established by the same medical team in a screening pro-
gram including
4800
school children in Sofia.9
The
current
screening results coincided
with
the
data
presented by
Winter,
who
accepted the conclusion
that
the prevalence
of
scoliosis
was
rather
constant
world-
wide
(1
%
to
3
%)
for curves
of
10°
or
more.
15
In
what
way
do
the
RG
trainees differ
from
their
normal
coevals,
and
how
can
the
appearance
of
this endemic focus
of
scoliosis be explained?
Table
1 presents the general
data
(anthropometry,
growth,
menarche)
obtained
in the cur-
rent
study as
compared
with
the
same
data
for
nontrain-
ees
of
the same average age.
Rhythmic
gymnasts are very elegant, thin,
and
grace-
ful.
Their
height
and
weight are significantly
lower
than
those
of
nontrainees.
The
RG
trainees manifest
an
obvi-
ous delay in the
growth
and
maturing.
The
training
of
the
rhythmic
gymnasts
in
this study
started
before adolescence, usually
at
the age
of
5 years,
and
continued
up
to
the
moment
of
this
study
(an aver-
age
of
6.63 ± 2 years).
The
most
important
criteria for
the
primary
selection were flexibility
and
leanness. This
can
explain the
100%
prevalence
of
generalized joint
laxity in
the
participants.
Everyday
control
of
body
weight
was obviously
compulsory,
and
probably
the
strict dieting (although
not
mentioned by the trainers
and
trainees), because
of
the absolute requirement
of
conformity
to
the
thin
image
of
an
elite rhythmic gym-
nast. This
is
the reason
why
it is
not
surprising
that
the
average body weight
of
the
participants
was
found
to
be
10
kg
lower
than
that
of
normal
coevals. Dieting
and
physical training
are
known
to
delay
menarche
in girls
who
begin active
sports
or
ballet
at
an
earlyage.
13
,14
This
is
typical for rhythmic gymnasts also.
Some specific traits
in
the training
and
exercising
of
rhythmic gymnasts were found.
It
was
observed
that
all
RG
trainees have a flat
back
posture.
This
posture
con-
forms
to
the elegance
and
outer
appearance
required
for
the girls practicing
RG.
It
is
maintained
persistently in
such activities as walking, standing,
running,
and
jump-
ing.
The
flat back posture
is
the
constant
body
status
of
RG
trainees,
and
the tendency
to
thoracic
hypokyphosis
and
lumbar
hypo
lordosis
is
evident (Figure 3).
Scoliosis in Rhythmic Gymnasts Tanchev
et
al 1369
Figure
3.
Lateral standing radiograph of a 12-year-old gymnast
showing the typical flat back posture with a lack of any physio-
logic sagittal curvatures of the spine.
The
intensity
of
trammg
is
extraordinarily
high:
28.4
:±:
12.16
hours
a week.
The
training
is
carried
out
6
days weekly, nearly 5
hours
a day. This results in a sig-
nificant
overloading
for juvenile
and
adolescent girls,
considering
that
most
girls begin active training in
RG
at
the age
of
5 years.
A very typical feature
of
RG
is
playing
with
different
implements
(hoop,
ball, rope,
ribbon,
and
clubs). Playing
technique, figures, exercises,
and
the like were observed,
directly
during
training
and
competitions
or
in
video-
films.
It
was found
that
during
approximately
75%
of
the playing time, the rhythmic gymnasts play
with
their
"strong"
hand
to
ensure better
control
in using the im-
plements.
This
one-hand
playing leads
to
an
asymmetric
loading
of
the spine, pelvis,
and
lower
limbs.
It
was
in-
teresting
to
find
that
99%
of
the
rhythmic
gymnasts in
this study were right-handed, a prevalence significantly
higher
than
in the
normal
population
(82%).2
No
rea-
sonable
explanation
could be
found
for this observation,
but
it could have
some
significance in defining the side
of
asymmetric spinal loading.
A very typical pose
is
one-leg
standing
when
a rhyth-
mic gymnast
throws
or
catches the different implements,
Figure
4.
Enlargement of the anteroposterior radiograph of gym-
nast from Figure
2.
In
this figure, it
is
more easily seen
that
the
structural changes
in
this very short curve engage only
two
vertebrae
(11
and
L2)
with a tendency to a degenerative molding
(left edges of the upper end plates). These very mobile segments
probably are impaired
by
the persistent asymmetric spinal loading
in
rhythmic gymnastics.
especially the ball
and
the
ribbon.
Some
other
typical
figures
and
exercises observed give sufficient evidence for
the conclusion
that
persistently
repeated
asymmetric
ax-
ial
loads
are
placed
on
the spine.
For
example,
during the
so-called "scales"
or
"balance"
when
the
right
arm
is
lifted
upward
in
throwing,
catching,
or
holding the ball
or
ribbon,
the
rhythmic
gymnast
jumps
and
lands
on
the
right leg
with
the
back
in hyperlordosis, the pelvis
is
tilted
to
the right,
and
the
lumbar
spine
is
bent
with
convexity
to
the
same
side.
Also, some specific features
of
the scoliosis perceived
in
rhythmic
gymnasts: flat
back
in
100%
of
the partici-
pants;
mild curves (average
Cobb
angle, 16°; range,
10-
30°); low curves engaging the
most
mobile segments
of
the spine
(thoracolumbar
in
58%
and
lumbar
in
42%
of
the participants);
no
thoracic
or
double
major
curves;
short
curves
(predominantly
4
to
6 segments
or
fewer);
and
prevalence
of
the right convexity (in
67%
of
the
participants) over the left convexity (in
33%
of
the
par-
ticipants), which
is
uncommon
for
distal curve
patterns
(Figures 2
and
4).
Discussion
The
pathogenesis
of
scoliosis seems
to
be well defined.
Matzen?
assumed
that
the
primum
mavens
for
appear-
ance
of
scoliosis can differ,
but
when
the scoliotic
curve
l..370
Spine'
Volume
25·
Number
11
2000
has once appeared, it develops according
to
its internal
laws
and
"the
scoliosis emancipates from its etiology."
According
to
the widely accepted concept
of
biplanar
asymmetry, the thoracic hypokyphosis
and
the
lumbar
hypolordosis
may
play
an
important
role in the develop-
ment
of
scoliotic deformities.4
,6
The
current
authors
share this opinion
of
scoliotic pathogenesis entirely.
However, the etiology in
most
cases
of
idiopathic sco-
liosis remains
unknown.
In search
of
implications for the
causes
of
idiopathic scoliosis,
Harrington
5 postulated
that
"the growing scoliotic spine essentially represents
structural living
matter
reacting to
abnormal
physical
forces, resulting in an increasingly deformed state. Dys-
funcrion
of
the
growth
process ultimately leads to mal-
formation
of
the
discretely
articulated
segmental
spine."
rIO
Harrington.\" assumed
that
multiple factors
contribute to the etiology
of
idiopathic scoliosis. These
factors considered
to
be
of
major
importance are the
mechanics
of
spine, nutrition,
hormonal
influence,
and
genetic tendency.
Concerning the mechanics
of
the spine, Harrington.\"
referred
to
the
Hueter-
Volkmann
principle, which claims
that
abnormal
pressures placed
on
the facets
and
the
vertebral bodies over a
period
of
time affect the vertebral
bodies, the facets,
and
the
growth
endochondral
plates.
Actually,
Volkmann
11
developed the
theory
of
bone
and
joint deformities caused by overloading
of
the growing
skeleton, postulating
that
abnormal
pressure
hampers
the
growth
of
the
epiphyseal
plates
in
adolescents,
whereas stretching stimulates it.
The
current
authors
consider
the
hypothetical
ap-
proach
of
Harrington
very
appropriate
for explaining
the
appearance
of
scoliosis
among
rhythmic gymnasts. In
their study, they
found
three factors
of
major
importance
that
make
the rhythmic gymnasts different from their
coevals
not
involved
in
sports,
and
probably
increasing
very significantly the incidence
of
scoliosis
among
them:
1) generalized joint laxity as a hereditary terrain; 2) de-
layed
growth
and
maturity
caused by physical, dietary,
and
psychic stresses;
and
3) persistent asymmetric over-
loading
of
the spine. These factors
may
contribute
to
the
etiology
of
this scoliotic form.
The
authors
called the
coincidence
of
these three factors
the
"dangerous
triad."
Carter
and
Wilkinson. 1
demonstrated
persistent joint
Llxity to
be
an
important
predisposing factor in congen-
ital dislocation
of
the
hip.
They
reported
also
that
gen-
eralized joint laxity affected both axial
and
limb joints.
This
statement
suggests a possible relation
to
spinal dis-
orders also.
It
is
assumed
that
the increased range
of
motion in girls
with
generalized joint laxity could lead
to
increased pressure, impacts
on
the
growth
plates,
or
both, especially in girls
with
abnormal
physical loading.
In this way, the germinal
or
proliferative zones
may
be
impaired
and
growth
disturbed
more
or
less substan-
tially. This was suspected also in Harrington's.\"
hypoth-
esis,
and
this
probably
is
the case in
RG
trainees.
Prolonged hypoestrogenism
is
a well-recognized com-
plication
of
weight loss, dieting, and physical training in
girls
and
young women. The delay in menarche
is
com-
mon
in
most
girls
who
begin different sports
at
an
early
age.l.3 Estrogen, in particular, has essential effects
on
the
bone, which include stimulation
of
epiphyseal closure.
10
The
delayed
growth
and
maturing
cause a
prolongation
of
the "vulnerable growing years," a
term
introduced by
Harrington,s
and
this
abnormality
exposes the
growth
plates
to
the influence
of
the unfavorable mechanical fac-
tors (pressure, impacts,
microtrauma)
for a longer pe-
riod. This
is
what
probably
happens
in the
RG
trainees,
with
90%
of
them still having
no
menstruation
at
the
average age when their
normal
coevals have
had
their
menarche.
The
persistent asymmetric overloading
of
the
spine
is
typical for
RG.
It
was
very interesting
to
find
that
99%
of
the participants were
right-handed,
which
made
them
significantly different
from
their
normal
coevals,
among
whom
82%
are right-handed.2
The
right-hand
playing
predetermines right-leg
standing,
jumping,
taking
off,
and
landing,
with
the body balanced
by
bending the tho-
racolumbar
juncture
and
the
lumbar
spine
with
convex-
ity, usually
to
the right.
The mechanics
of
one-leg standing, which leads
to
a
temporary scoliotic posture with convexity
to
the ipsilateral
side, has been well studied by Wagenhauser
12
and
Debrun-
ner
and
Hepp:'
This specific mechanical situation repeats
constantly
in
RG
and probably produces overpressure in
the
most
mobile segments
of
the spine (thoracolumbar
juncture and lumbar spine), mainly affecting the left lateral
and posterior parts
of
the
growth
endochondral plates (fig-
ure 4). An important contributory effect could be ascribed
to the flat spine of the
RG
trainees, which generally
is
rec-
ognized as a risk factor in the pathogenesis
of
structural
scoliosis. An additional
proof
could
be
the presence
of
low
and short thoracolumbar
and
lumbar curves in
RG
train-
ees.
Most
of them (67%) manifested convexity
to
the right.
This curve pattern
is
the reverse
of
the usual idiopathic
forms in this spine region, which predominantly manifest
convexity
to
the left.
The
absence
of
thoracic
and
double
major
curves in
the
participants also
is
noteworthy,
giving some impor-
tant
evidence for
the
role
of
the thoracic cage as a but-
tress protecting
their
thoracic vertebrae, in
particular
their
growth
plates,
from
the
impairing
effect
of
the
asymmetric spinal
loading
in RG.
Although
no
definite
consensus exists concerning
the
distribution
of
curve pat-
terns in idiopathic scoliosis, it
is
generally accepted
that
the thoracic
and
double
major
curves occur the
most
frequently
and
the
lumbar
curves the least frequently.
The
current
findings suggest the possibility
of
an
asym-
metrical
hampering
of
the
growth
of
the
most
mobile
spinal segments in
RG
trainees.
There
is
a single published
report
on
scoliosis associ-
ated
with
ballet dancing,14 in which
the
prolonged
hy-
poestrogenism
and
its effects
on
bone are
thoroughly
discussed.
No
implications for the etiologic relation be-
tween scoliosis
and
asymmetric
loading
of
the spine are
proposed.
At
this writing,
no
existing classification in-
Scoliosis
in
Rhythmic
Gymnasts·
Tanchev
et
al
1371
cludes
"sports
scoliosis"
or
"sports-associated scoliosis"
as a separate category, although
it
is
not
unusual
to
ob-
serve scoliotic deformities in adolescents
and
young peo-
ple training for tennis, javelin throwing,
or
similar sports
with asymmetrical loading
of
the spine.
The significantly higher incidence
of
scoliosis in rhyth-
mic gymnasts
and
the specificity
of
this deformity suggest
the exclusion
of
"rhythmic gymnasts' scoliosis" from the
large group
of
idiopathic scoliosis. Therefore, the au-
thors propose the separation
of
a sports-associated sco-
liosis, which
may
contribute
to
the better classification
of
this nosology. This specific scoliotic entity seems
to
have
a phenotypic origin.
The
current
study
generates
an
eti-
ologic hypothesis including the
"dangerous
triad"
of
generalized joint laxity, delayed
maturity,
and
asymmet-
ric overloading
of
the spine.
Tnc
authors
believe
that
these risk factors
may
be the
cause
of
primary
scoliosis in some adolescents
not
in-
volved in
any
sports,
who
usually are referred
to
as hav-
ing idiopathic scoliosis. An
appropriate
extension
of
the
research in this respect
would
be a
comparative
study
juxtaposing the etiologic
moments
and
the specificity
of
the deformity in
rhythmic
gymnasts
to
a
control
scoliotic
group
of
girls
with
similar
anthropometric,
growth,
and
maturing
data,
but
not
engaged in sports.
Key
Points
The
authors
found
a lO-fold higher incidence
of
scoliosis in
rhythmic
gymnasts (12
%)
than
in their
normal
coevals (1.1
%).
This study identified a separate scoliotic
entity
related
to
sports.
The
results suggest the
important
etiologic role
of
a
"dangerous
triad":
generalized
joint
laxity, de-
layed maturity,
and
asymmetric spinal loading.
References
1.
Carter
C, Wilkinson J. Persistent joint laxity
and
congenital dislocation
of
the hip. J Bone Joint Surg
[Br]
1964;46:40-5.
2. Damianova
M,
Stanchev
Z.
Endokrinologia vdetskata vazrast. Sofia: Mediz-
ina i Fiskultura,
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3.
Debrunner
HU,
Hepp
WR.
Onhopaedisches
Diagnostikum.
Stungan,
New
York: Georg Thieme,
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4. Dickson RA, Lawton
JO,
Archer lA, er al.
The
pathogenesis of idiopathic
scoliosis: Biplanar spinal asymmetry. J Bone
Joint
Surg
[Br]
1984;66:8-15.
5.
Harrington
PRo
The etiology
of
idiopathic scoliosis. Clin
Orthop
1977;126:
17-25.
6. Leatherman KD, Dickson RA.
The
management
of
spinal deformities. Lon-
don, Boston, Singapore, Sydney,
Toronto,
Wellington: Wright,
1988:44-54.
7. Matzen PF.
Orthopaedie
fiir Studierende. Leipzig: JA Barth,
1977:286-307.
8. Peterson
L,
Renstrom P. Sports injuries:
Their
prevention
and
treatment.
Basle: Ciba Geigy,
1993:237-58.
9. Tanchev
P,
Dikov
D,
Dzherov
A,
er al. School screening for scoliosis in Sofia:
An analysis
of
screening results
of
4800
studems.
Orthop
Trauma
(Bul) 1996;
33:69-73.
10. Underwood LE, Van
Wyk
11.
Hormones
in normal
and
aberrant
growth. In:
Williams
RH,
cd.
Texrbook
of
Endocrinology.
6th
ed. Philadelphia: WB Saun-
del's,
1981:1149-91.
1 I. von
Volkmann
R. Chirurgische Erfahrungen iiber Knochenverbiegungen
und
Knochenwachstum. Virchows Arch Pathol Anal'
1862;24:512-22.
12.
Wagenhauser
FJ.
Das
Problem der
Halrung.
Orthopiide
1973;2:128-39.
13.
Warren
MP.
The
effects
of
exercise
on
pubertal
progression
and
reproductive
function
in
girls. J
C1in
Endocrinol
Metab
1980;51:1150-7.
14.
Warren
MP,
Brooks-Gunn J,
Hamilton
LH,
et al. Scoliosis
and
fractures in
young ballet dancers. N
EngJ
Med
1986;314:1348-53.
15.
Winter
RB.
Natural
history
of
spinal deformity. In:
Bradford
DS, Lonstein
JE,
MoeJH,
Ogilvie
JW,
Winter
RB, eds.
Moe's
Textbook
of
Scoliosis
and
Other
Spinal Deformities.
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ed. Philadelphia,
London,
Toronto,
Sydney,
Tokyo,
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Kong: WB Saunders,
1987:89-95.
Address reprint /'equests to
Panayot
1.
Tanchev,
MD
Spine Surgery Department
Coma
Bania University Hospital
of
Orthopaedics
56, N. Petkov Street
Sofia
1614,
Bulgaria
Point
of
View
Roger
P.
Jackson,
MD
North
Kansas
City
Hospital
North
Kansas
City,
Missouri
The authors have published
an
interesting, stimulating,
and
provocative article. They report their observations
of
risk
factors in adolescent female athletes involved in rhythmic
gymnastics
who
develop scoliosis with specific features.
The risk factors involve a "dangerous triad": generalized
joint laxity, delayed maturity,
and
asymmetric spinal load-
ing. The specific features for the type
of
"sports-associated
scoliosis"
that
the authors describe include lumbar
and
tho-
racolumbar curves with
no
thoracic
or
double major curve
patterns,
and
short
curves with prevalence
of
convexity
to
the right. The authors
put
forth a strong argument for a
category
of
so-called "sports scoliosis."
In their article, the
authors
have
compared
their
re-
sults with the average
data
for Bulgarian girls
of
the
same
mean age from a previous nationwide statistical survey.
Although this appears to
be
appropriate, I
do
not
think it
allows them to make such strong claims
that
prolonged
asymmetric loading
on
the growth plates
of
the vertebral
1372
Spine'
Volume
25'
Number 11 2000
..
bodies was a contributory factor, in
and
of
itself, to the
development of the specific type
of
scoliosis they describe in
their article.
To
more completely prove this point
or
hy-
pothesis, the authors would need to compare the rhythmic
gymnastic trainees studied directly to a subgroup
of
right-
handed nontrainees with joint laxity and delayed menarche
from the previous nationwide survey they quoted. Gener-
alized joint laxity with delayed menses and maturity can be
common features for many young women, whether they
are involved
in
sports
or
not,
and
especially if they are en-
gaged in sports
at
an early age.
The
authors
stated
at
the end
of
the discussion section
that
more research is needed in this area. I believe
that
more studies
are
needed
to
help
support
the
authors'
eloquent
arguments for a
"dangerous
triad"
leading to
"sports-associated scoliosis." Also, additional research
is
needed
to
answer
the
obvious question: Does such a
specific scoliotic entity associated
with
sports exist for
boys?
The
authors
have
made
a significant contribution
to
our
literature,
but
at
the same time have created
many
questions. I encourage
them
to
continue
on
with
their
excellent clinical research.
... Међутим, спорт се истовремено сматра и могућим узрочним фактором за појаву постуралних поремећаја, посебно сколиозе (Jandrić, 2015), јер у одређеним студијама и литератури можемо пронаћи резултате који говоре о променама у пределу кичменог стуба код спортиста различитих спортова који подразумевају велике ротације, попут спортске и ритмичке гимнастике, пливања, рвања, бацања копља, балета (Tanchev et al., 2000;Wood, 2002;Slawinska et al., 2006;Modi et al., 2008;Grabara & Hadzik, 2009a, 2009bLongworth et al., 2014). Наиме, асиметричне физичке вежбе, јединствене за одређени спорт, могу довести до појаве абнормалних закривљености кичме, посебно у периоду интензивног раста и развоја, и истраживања показују да у многим спортовима, посебно оним асиметричне, одн. ...
... Ритмичка гимнастика као спортска дисциплина користи низ посебно одабраних вежби које доприносе уравнотеженом и хармоничном развоју организма у целини. Међутим, с обзиром на то да подразумева примену реквизита (лопта, обруч, вијача, трака и чуњеви), углавном непарних (једино су чуњеви паран реквизит), којима се углавном манипулише једном руком (доминантном), и с обзиром на то да обилује тежинама телом (скокови, окрети, равнотеже) које се углавном реализују тако што је увек једна нога потпорна, а друга замајна, ритмичка гимнастика спада у спортове асиметрије, па не чуди што је учесталост сколиозе десет пута већа код особа које се баве ритмичком гимнастиком (Tanchev et al., 2000). Из наведених разлога, проблем овог истраживања јесте заступљеност поремећаја кичменог стуба у сагиталној и фронталној равни ритмичких гимнастичарки, као и разлике у заступљености поремећаја у држању тела између гимнастичарки јувенилне и адолесцентне доби. ...
... kg). Када се сагледају резултати истраживања реализованом пре више од 20 година (Tanchev et al., 2000), дâ се приметити да се вредности BMI не разликују у великој мери (17.99±1.79 kg/m 2 ), док су вредности телесне масе у извесној мери биле мање (36.32±6.89 ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
Велики број студија наглашава позитиван утицај физичке активности на све аспекте здравља деце и адолесцената и добро је познато да учешће у редовној спортској активности обликује карактер младе особе, побољшава моторичке и координационе способности и значајно утиче на физички развој и држање тела. Mеђутим, асиметричне физичке вежбе, јединствене за одређени спорт, посебно оне спортове унилатералне природе, могу довести до поремећаја статике кичме, асиметрије трупа и појаве абнормалних закривљености кичме, нарочито у периоду интензивног раста и развоја. Основни циљ овог истраживања је да се утврди врста и заступљеност постуралних поремећаја кичменог стуба у сагиталној и фронталној равни 48 ритмичких гимнастичарки узраста 6 до 18 година, као и да се испитају разлике између 25 јувенилних (до 10 година старости) и 23 адолесцентних (преко 10 година старости) ритмичких гимнастичарки. Утврђене су њихове основне карактеристике (узраст, телесна висина и маса и индекс телесне масе), као и постурални статус кичменог стуба применом Spinal Mouse-a. Подаци су анализирани (дескриптивна статистика, Kolmogorov-Smirnov тест, ANOVA, Хи квадрат тест) помоћу SPSS 21.0 и добијени резултати показују да велики проценат ритмичких гимнастичарки има постуралне поремећаје кичменог стуба у сагиталној (64.6%), али и у фронталној равни (77.1%), као и да су равна леђа чест поремећај код ових спортисткиња. Када се упореде величине кривина кичменог стуба гимнастичарки јувенилне и адолесцентне доби, статистички значајне разлике постоје само када је реч о кифози (p=0.037), и то „у корист“ старијег субузорка. Овакви резултати (присуство лордозе, сколиозе и мање присуство кифозе) нису изненађујући ако се узму у обзир техничко-тактички захтеви ритмичке гимнастике, која спада у спортове асиметрије. Кључне речи: спортови асиметрије, кифоза, лордоза, сколиоза, равна леђа.
... Therefore, sport is recommended as a preventive measure, but also as one of the options in the multidisciplinary treatment of most disorders of the musculoskeletal system in children. However, sport is also considered a possible causative factor for the appearance of postural disorders, especially scoliosis (Jandrić, 2015), because in certain studies and literature we can find results that speak of changes in the region of the spinal column in athletes of various sports that involve large rotations, such as artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, javelin throwing, ballet (Tanchev et al., 2000;Wood, 2002;Slawinska et al., 2006;Modi et al., 2008;Grabara & Hadzik, 2009a, 2009bLongworth et al., 2014). Namely, asymmetric physical exercises, unique to a certain sport, can lead to the appearance of abnormal curvatures of the spine, especially during the period of intensive growth and development, and research shows that in many sports, especially asymmetric ones, there is a disturbance of spine static, trunk asymmetry, as well as disproportion of muscle mass in athletes (Hawrylak et al., 2001;Grabara & Hadzik, 2009a, 2009b. ...
... Rhythmic gymnastics (RG) as a sports discipline uses a series of specially selected exercises that contribute to the balanced and harmonious development of the organism as a whole. However, considering that it involves the use of different apparatuses (ball, hoop, rope, ribbon and clubs), which are mostly one-hand handled (with the dominant one), and considering that there are plenty of body difficulties (jumps/leaps, rotations/turns/pivots, balances) which are mostly realized by always having one leg supporting and the other one free (Purenović-Ivanović et al., 2023), RG belongs to asymmetric sports, so it is not surprising that the prevalence of scoliosis is greater in those who practice this sport discipline (Tanchev et al., 2000). For the aforementioned reasons, the problem of this research is to determine the type and prevalence of postural disorders of the spine in sagittal and frontal plane in young rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), as well as to examine the differences between juvenile and adolescent RGs. ...
... When reviewing the results of the participants' body posture in the frontal plane, it can be noted that scoliotic posture is present, but to a much lesser extent compared to postural disorders in the sagittal plane. Namely, in the majority of respondents (40, or 83.33%), the size of the curvature of the spinal column in the frontal plane, both in the thoracic and in the lumbar part, does not exceed 10°, which is a normal body posture in the frontal plane; in one adolescent gymnast, a curve of 11° to the left in the thoracic part was recorded (left thoracic scoliosis); in three, a curve of 13° was recorded, i.e. of 12° in the lumbar part (lumbar scoliosis), and "S" scoliosis was recorded in one juvenile and three adolescent RGs: from 11° to 14° in the thoracic part, and from 12° to 17° in the lumbar part, which was already seen in the study Tanchev et al. (2000), where a higher value of curvature in the lumbar part (lumbar scoliosis) was recorded, and to a lesser extent thoracic scoliosis. (Table 2), statistically significant differences (p=0.037) were established only in the case of the size of the curvature in the thoracic part of the spinal column in the sagittal plane, "in favor" of adolescent RGs. ...
Article
Full-text available
Numerous studies highlight the beneficial effects of physical activity on children's and adolescents' health in all areas, and it is commonly known that regular sports participation enhances motor skills and has a major impact on physical development and posture. However, asymmetric physical exercises, unique to a certain sport, such as rhythmic gymnastics (RG), can cause aberrant curvatures of the spine, particularly during times of rapid growth and development. The main research objective is to determine the type and prevalence of postural disorders of the spine in sagittal and frontal plane in 48 young female rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), aged 6 to 18, as well as to examine the differences between 25 juvenile and 23 adolescent RGs. Their baseline characteristics (age, body height and mass, and body mass index) were established, as well as their spine curvature status (kyphosis, lordosis, and thoracic and lumbar scoliosis, in °) by means of the SpinalMouse® device. The data were analyzed (descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA, Chi-square test) using SPSS 21.0. Research results showed that large percentage of RGs had postural disorders in the sagittal (64.6%), and also in the frontal plane (77.1%), noting that postural disorders are more prevalent in juvenile RGs (72% and 76% in the sagittal and the frontal plane, respectively), and flat back is a common spinal posture disorder in RGs. When comparing the sizes of the spinal column curvаtures of juvenile and adolescent RGs, statistically significant differences exist only when it comes to kyphosis (p=0.037), and that "in favor" of the older subsample. Corresponding author Tijana Purenović-Ivanović tijanapurenovic@gmail.com Physical education and sport through the centuries 2023, 10(2), 126-138 ISSN 2335-0598 https://phedss.fsfv-pr.rs | 127 Such results (presence of lordotic, scoliotic and minor presence of kyphotic posture) are not surprising if we take into account the technical and tactical requirements of RG which belongs to a group of asymmetric sports-RGs have stronger extensors than trunk flexors which leads to absence of kyphotic and an increase of lordotic posture; also, RG is a sport of asymmetric spine loading because of unilateral hip flexibility in various conditions, which explains the large prevalence of scoliotic posture among RGs.
... Previous research related to the shape and mobility of the spine or posture in gymnasts has focused on female and male artistic gymnastics athletes (Grabara, 2010;Radaković et al., 2016;Sanz-Mengibar et al., 2018), rhythmic gymnastics (Tanchev et al., 2000;Kums et al., 2007) and trampoline gymnastics (Sainz de Baranda et al., 2009;Sainz de Baranda et al., 2010;Grapton et al., 2013). Studies on this topic have rarely been conducted in acrobatic gymnastics. ...
Article
Full-text available
Specific loads on the spine and the very young age at which acrobatic gymnastics training is undertaken require monitoring the shape of the spine curvatures in gymnasts to detect possible postural abnormalities. The aim of this descriptive study was to assess and compare the shape of the spine in the sagittal plane in acrobatic gymnasts of both sexes and their associations with demographic and somatic variables. The study group included 159 acrobatic gymnasts aged 12-19 (106 females and 53 males) from 16 European countries. The study was designed as a survey and measurements of somatic variables and the angles of inclination (using the Baseline Bubble inclinometer) at four topographic points of the spine: S1, L5/S1, Th12/L1, C7/Th1. Based on the angles of spinal inclination, the sizes of the sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and thoracic kyphosis (TK) were calculated. Body posture was assessed based on Wolański’s modified typology. The angles of SS and LL were significantly higher in females, and TK did not differ between sexes. Training experience positively correlated only with the size of the SS in both sexes. Age and somatic variables were significantly correlated with the size of the sagittal curvatures, mainly in females. The majority of gymnasts had a normal angle of SS and TK and a flattened LL. The equivalent and lordotic types of body posture were more frequent in females, and the kyphotic type in males. The incorrect body posture was noted in 19.8% of females and 43.4% of males. We concluded that acrobatic gymnasts are not at risk of increasing the size of spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane, but males show a tendency toward flattened LL and kyphotic type of body posture.
... In our research, scoliotic bad posture was determined in all swimmers, so we can conclude that a specific discipline does not cause scoliosis but that the occurrence of this postural disorder depends on other factors. A researcher Tanchev et al. [19] considered three main factors significantly influencing the onset of scoliosis. They are general joint mobility, slow growth, development (we will comment on the validity of using this term in the area of human motor skills later in the 'discussion'), and maturation due to physical, dietary, and physiological stress and the constant asymmetric load on the spinal column. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background & Study Aim: In each sports discipline morphological characteristics, elements of technical, tactical, and psychological preparation can be distinguished whose high level may affect sports results. The aim of this study is knowledge about the express diagnostic program and the possibility of detecting changes in musculoskeletal posture in young athletes practicing various sports disciplines. Material & Methods: The participants were 38 athletes from sports clubs in Riga, Latvia, swimmers (n = 19), and cyclists (n = 19) aged 14-15 years old with experience in National competitions. Body posture was assessed once before the training for visual diagnostics and muscular functional testing. A diagnostic program was developed from these methods, which included measuring the changes of 8 sagittal points from the vertical plane and functional testing of 8 muscle groups. The analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26. The Shapiro-Wilk test, an independent t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse the data. Results: The results showed that both groups (n = 38); standing posture was falling forward. There were significant differences between the two groups. Cyclists demonstrated significant results than swimmers for the following posture indicators - External Ear Opening (EEO), Radial Point (RP), Highest Point of the Iliac Crest (HPIC), M. Pectoralis Major Upper part (MPMU), Outer Points of the Palm (OPP), Acromion (ACR), Trochanter (Tro), Upper End of Fibula Bone (UEFB), M. Rectus Abdominis (MRA) and Blade Fixators (BF). There were significant results for swimmers in M. Quadriceps Femoris (MQF) and M. Gluteus Medium (MGM) at the 5% level. There was not a significant difference between the two groups in Hamstring Muscles (HM) and for M. Iliopsoas (MI). Conclusions: It can be concluded that each sport leads to postural changes in athletes due to specific functional muscle changes, as the results highlighted changes in both groups. Early postural changes in young athletes can be identified by applying express diagnostics. Early detection should lead to the prevention of injury.
... In that regard, our study results show increases from 1-10% at 11 and 12 years, and decreases to 7% (13 and 14 years) and 2% in 15-17 years. There has been a rise in the occurrence of scoliosis among rhythmic gymnasts (10-16 years old), and potential causes include persistent asymmetric forces across the spine's development cartilage, particularly in prepubertal and pubertal athletes (Tanchev et al., 2000). Likewise, Jeon and Kim (2021) revealed that low body weight is closely associated with spinal deformity and scoliosis (idiopathic) in 10-year-old children, this may be related to our study, in terms of low body weight compared to the population mean values (Georgopoulos et al., 2012). ...
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This study has two aims, to determine the possible existence of spinal deformities in young gymnasts, and then to determine whether there are differences in the prevalence of spinal deformities in relation to their age and training experience. A total of 87 participants were included in the study, as competitors in the International tournament "Laza Krstić and Marica Dželatović" held in Novi Sad. According to age (8-10; 11-12; 13-14; 15-17), the participants were divided into 4 categories (subsamples). The "Spinal Mouse" was used to determine postural status at training, one day before competition. For each applied variable (kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis), the basic descriptive statistics parameters were calculated, while in order to determine the differences between the groups, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied. No statistically significant differences were determined between the groups in terms of almost all the deformities, which can be justified by the approximately equal prevalence of deformities at all ages. Out of the total number of participants, as many as 69% (60 gymnasts) have deviations from the normal values of spinal column curves. The results also indicate that the trend of potential deformities first increases at approximately 11 and 12 years of age (when puberty begins) and only at this transition were statistically significant differences found (only in the case of scoliosis). The results should promote a much more serious approach to the training process of young gymnasts, which should be reflected in regular-periodic control of the spinal column with modern measuring instruments.
... Studies have also reported positive associations between AIS, early indoor warm-water swimming, and engaging in high-risk sports in early childhood [31]. This observation is consistent with those of other studies that have reported a positive association between forms of physical activity, such as dancing [33], rhythmic gymnastics [34], swimming [35], and others, and the risk of AIS. This may be due to the excessive asymmetric movement of the spine caused by these activities, which increases the probability of excessive joint movement, leading to the deformation and rotation of the spine. ...
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Background The multifactorial aetiology of scoliosis is well known. Physical activity is considered both a treatment and causative factor for idiopathic scoliosis; however, evidence for a causal relationship between physical activity levels and idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents is conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to summarise the current evidence regarding the association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and physical activity and further to assess whether the relationship is dose dependent. Methods PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1991 to July 2022 using the following main keywords: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, physical activity, and risk factors, supplemented with manual searches, secondary citations, and reference searches. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Scale for Reporting Observational Studies in Enhanced Epidemiology guidelines. Results Eight studies were included in this review, of which six reported an association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and physical activity levels and two reported no association. One British study reported reduced physical function early in life as a new risk factor for scoliosis onset. Conclusions Physical activity is strongly associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Physical activity should be encouraged as it plays an important role in the prevention of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Further research is needed to determine the dose-dependent relationship between physical activity and prevention of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
... However, a combination of physical activity with generalized joint hypermobility and delayed puberty was a prerequisite observed in this particular group. 36 The cause-effect relationship between deformity and pain is not certain nor direct in any type of scoliosis. 37 Due to the diversity of curve patterns, a mechanism of pain generation is difficult to propose. ...
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Purpose Pain in scoliosis is definitely a hot topic with growing popularity. The literature remains very controversial, with a pain prevalence ranging from 23% to 90%, but this can be explained by the great heterogeneity of the numerous series. The aim of this review was to report results from the literature regarding pain in relation to scoliosis regardless of the etiology. Methods A bibliographic search in Medline and Google database from 2003 to March 2023 was performed. Relevant literature was analyzed, summarized, and discussed based on authors’ experience. A 1-year prospective series of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was also included to compare with the existing literature. Results A total of 126 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were included, with a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 64.5° (range, 45°–112°). Reported pain prevalence was 34.1%. Pain and no-pain groups were very different in their self-reported experience, with a very low mean visual analogue scale score of 0.5 (± 0.6) in the no pain group, while visual analogue scale averaged 5.6 (± 1.2) in the pain group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between groups regarding the most relevant demographic and radiological parameters. Conclusion Evidence-based literature on “scoliosis as a source of pain” remains ambiguous. There seems to be a consensus on the lack of direct relationship between deformity magnitude and back pain intensity. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient is therefore necessary before any treatment, including medical history, clinical examination, and relevant imaging for any child with scoliosis and back pain. Level of evidence Level VI
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate change in bone mineral density (BMD), BMD percentile (BMDp), lean mass (LM), fat-free mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and muscle size (mCSA) and quality (EI) in collegiate female gymnasts over a competitive season and characterize the impact of menarche on changes. Twenty gymnasts completed a validated survey to assess age of menarche. Body composition was assessed via whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at pre- and postseason. mCSA and EI were determined from a panoramic ultrasound scan of the vastus lateralis. Pre- to postseason changes were evaluated using paired sample t tests, and strength of relationships between were analyzed via bivariate correlations and linear regression. Significant losses in body fat percentage (Δ -1.1 ± 1.9%; p = .022) and EI (Δ -5.0 ± 5.8 a.u.; p = .002) were observed. No significant changes were observed in BMDp, mCSA, BMD, LM, or fat-free mass index ( p = .310–.869). Age of menarche (15.4 ± 1.5 years) was negatively correlated with Δ BMDp ( r = −.454; p = .044) and Δ mCSA ( r = −.658; p = .002), explaining 21% and 43% of variation in Δ BMDp and Δ mCSA, respectively. Positive outcomes of gymnastics training, such as gains in LM and mCSA, may be attenuated by delayed menarche, suggested by increased EI and decreased body fat percentage, despite no changes in mCSA or overall LM. These findings may indicate a higher priority of fat utilization within the muscle over muscle and bone growth. Considering menarche as a significant predictor for Δ mCSA, this lack of increase (despite improved EI), may signify increased injury risk resulting from team-specific training style or insufficient energy intake to support appropriate muscle growth.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the passive joint range of motion (PROM) and muscle strength in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), artistic gymnasts (AGs), and a control group (CG) of the same age. A total of 54 prepubertal girls were divided into three groups: 18 RGs (age 11.14 ± 0.7, height 142.6 ± 5.81, and body mass 31.2 ± 3.63); 18 AGs (age 11.27 ± 0.99, height 139.6 ± 5.85, and body mass 31.7 ± 3.21), and 18 school girls who are defined as CG (age 10.55 ± 0.42, height 145.33 ± 6.95, and body mass 42.1 ± 8.21) participated in the study. All athletes were elites and participated in national competitions. The CG participated only in their school physical education program. Isokinetic peak torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II) at 60, 180, and 300°·sec−1. Body mass index was greater in the CG compared to RGs and AGs (p < 0.001). PROM in cervical extension in RG was significantly higher compared to the AG and CG (p < 0.001). The athlete groups, RG and AG, showed significantly greater PROM in knee flexion (p < 0.001), hip flexion (p < 0.001), and hip abduction (p < 0.05) compared to CG. PROM in hip flexion was different between the left and right leg in RGs. The relative muscle strength of the quadriceps in the RG and AG was significantly greater compared to CG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively). Gymnastics training in prepubertal ages can improve neuromuscular function and increase the relative muscle strength. Therefore, it is essential to note that when evaluating children within the developmental ages, especially those involved in sports, the type of muscle strength to be assessed should be specified.
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The authors carried out a school screening for scoliosis of 4800 students in Sofia, in the 11- to 15-year age group. A two-stage screening programme was implemented, including a primary physical evaluation by orthopaedic surgeons visiting the schools, and a secondary physical examination of the cases with suspected scoliosis supplemented by standing posteroanterior roentgenogram in the Dispensary for Spinal Deformities of the University Hospital of Orthopaedics Gorna Bania. At the primary screening 1.2% of suspected scoliosis cases were detected. The secondary physical and roentgenographic examination confirmed an incidence of scoliotic curvatures larger than 10 degrees in 1%, where as the cases with scoliosis larger than 20% were only 0.3%. The ratio in females and males in the whole group was equal - 1:1, while this ratio changed sharply for the larger degrees of curvature (>20 degrees) with a predominance of females over males - 6:1. The screening accuracy, determined by X-rays, was 86%. Simultaneously with the scoliosis screening there were detected at first sight examination some other orthopaedic deformities: increased thoracic kyphosis - 0.3%, Pectus carinatum - 0.6%, Pectus excavatum - 0.5%, Scapula alta (Morbus Sprengel) - 0.02%. Early detection and systematic follow-up examinations allow an adequate and successful treatment of scoliosis. Annual school screening for scoliosis is recommended for the children in the 11- to 15-year age group. This screening should be performed by school doctors and nurses after a short specific training in collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons.
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To review this book is no easy task. It is a bit like being asked to do a book review of The Bible . It seems like this reference book has been on our shelves since Moses played half back for Egypt, and few sports physicians world wide will not have read it at some stage of their career. Many of us have used the extensive pictures from earlier editions of the book to illustrate our lectures. The authors and publishers are to be commended that one can also now purchase these illustrations on a separate CD ROM. Bowing to the inevitable consumer demands, nevertheless this makes an important “value added” aspect to the book. The fact that …
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In a survey of 75 dancers (mean age, 24.3 years) in four professional ballet companies, we found that the prevalence of scoliosis was 24 percent and that it rose with increases in age at menarche. Fifteen of 18 dancers (83 percent) with scoliosis had had a delayed menarche (14 years or older), as compared with 31 of 57 dancers (54 percent) without scoliosis (P less than 0.04). The dancers with scoliosis had a slightly higher prevalence of secondary amenorrhea (44 percent vs. 31 percent), the mean (+/- SD) duration of their amenorrhea was longer (11.4 +/- 18.3 vs. 4.1 +/- 7.4 months; P less than 0.05), and they scored higher on a questionnaire that assessed anorectic behavior. The incidence of fractures was 61 percent (46 of 75 dancers), and it rose with increasing age at menarche. Sixty-nine percent of the fractures that were described were stress fractures (mostly in the metatarsals), and their occurrence had an even stronger correlation with increased age at menarche. The incidence of secondary amenorrhea was twice as high among the dancers with stress fractures (P less than 0.01), and its duration was longer (P less than 0.05). In 7 of 10 dancers in whom endocrine studies were performed, the amenorrheic intervals were marked by prolonged hypoestrogenism. These data suggest that a delay in menarche and prolonged intervals of amenorrhea that reflect prolonged hypoestrogenism may predispose ballet dancers to scoliosis and stress fractures.
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A clinical, cadaveric, biomechanical and radiological investigation of the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis indicates that biplanar asymmetry is the essential lesion. Many normal children have coronal plane asymmetry (an inconsequential lateral curvature of the spine), and certainly all have vertebral body asymmetry in the transverse plane, but when median plane asymmetry (flattening or more usually reversal of the normal thoracic kyphosis at the apex of the scoliosis) is superimposed during growth, a progressive idiopathic scoliosis occurs. Idiopathic kyphoscoliosis cannot and does not exist, from the mildest cases in the community to the most severe cases in pathology museums. Median plane asymmetry is crucial for progression and the lateral profile of the spine must be carefully scrutinised. Increased anterior vertebral height at the apex of the curve with posterior end-plate irregularity characterises the median plane asymmetry and suggests that idiopathic scoliosis is the reverse of Scheuermann's disease.
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To determine whether a significant energy drain during adolescence had a significant effect on puberty and normal reproductive function, 15 ballet dancers, aged 13--15 yr, who maintained a high level of physical activity from early adolescence were followed for 4.0 yr. Menarche was remarkably delayed in this group, occurring at a mean of 15.4 yr, significantly different (P < 0.01) from normal controls (12.5 yr) and normal music students (12.6 yr). In 2 dancers aged 18 yr, primary amenorrhea has persisted. While premenarchial, all of the dancers had varying breast development (Tanner stages 2--4) and low to low normal gonadotropin levels, normal PRL and T4 levels, and normal skull x-rays. The dancers' mean body weight and calculated body fat were significantly less than in controls (P < 0.05). The progression of sexual development and the onset of menarche correlated in 10 or 15 subjects with a decrease in exercise and/or injury causing forced rest of at least 2-month duration. During this interval, weight gain was minimal or absent, with no significant change in body composition. A significant dichotomy in the order of pubertal development was also noted; while breast development and menarche were delayed, pubic hair development was not affected. Reversion to the amenorrheic state occurred in 11 of 13 patients with a return to exercise without a change in weight. In conclusion, energy drain may have an important modulatory effect on the hypothalamic pituitary set point at puberty and, in combination with low body weight, may prolong the prepubertal state and induce amenorrhea.
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1. General joint laxity affecting more than three joints was found in 7 per cent of normal schoolchildren. Similar laxity was found in fourteen of a random series of forty-eight girls, and in nineteen of twenty-six boys, with non-familial congenital dislocation of the hip. Such laxity was also found in four of seven girls and five of seven boys with familial (first degree relative affected) congenital dislocation of the hip. 2. It is concluded that persistent generalised joint laxity, which is often familial, is an important predisposing factor to congenital dislocation of the hip in boys. It is less important in girls, except perhaps in familial cases, as in girls there is an alternative temporary hormonal cause of joint laxity.
Das Problem der Halrung
  • F J Wagenhauser
Wagenhauser FJ. Das Problem der Halrung. Orthopiide 1973;2:128-39.