7-13 September - Brisbane, Australia 2000 |
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The investigation of cycling position on thoracic spineR. Rajabi*1, A.
Freemont1 & P. Doherty2 There is a theory that states "the kyphotic posture in cycling, puts marked pressure on the anterior edge of the vertebra producing a "remodeling" or "reforming" of the bone, resulting in the appearance of anterior compression."( Mellion 1994). The position of the spinal column during cycling differs greatly from its anatomical standing position. Therefore, part of a cyclist’s training entails adapting the body to the posture assumed on the bicycle during cycling (Usabiaga et al, 1997). The purpose of this work is to present the relationship of the sport-specific activity of cyclists on the thoracic spinal curvature by a new instrument. 120 male cyclists and 120 male non-cyclists were measured. Subjects were divided into four age-match groups of 30 subjects. Kyphosis was determined between the spinous processes of T-3&T-10. Measuring of kyphosis was performed with an Electrogoniometer, which traditionally has been used to determine range of motion. I have modified this device to measure static thoracic spine angle in the erect standing position. The reliability of Electrogoniometer was calculated using Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) at 0.997 and the validity of Electrogoniometer, Radiographic (Cobbs method) /Electrogoniometer comparison (T3-T10) was calculated at r = 0.857, p< 0.000. The result of the analyses showed that the degree of kyphosis was significantly greater (p< 0.01) in the cyclists group in comparison with the non-cyclists group. One of the possible reasons for increasing the degree of kyphosis amongst cyclists particularly young cyclists might be the cycling position adopted which results in significant mechanical stress on the spinal column.
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2000
Pre-Olympic Congress