Effects of cycling on the morphology and spinal posture in professional and recreational cyclists: a systematic review

Effect of incremental intensities on the spinal morphology and core muscle activation in competitive cyclists

Cycling is a sport where cyclists predominantly adopt a sitting posture, with the trunk tilted forward. This posture requires a high volume of training and duration in several intensities of effort. This study aims to: 1) evaluate the behaviour of the thoracic and lumbar spine flexion and sacral inclination in the sagittal plane, the thoracic and lumbar spine flexion in the frontal plane, and the trunk torsion in the transverse plane; 2) compare the activation of the core muscles as the intensity of effort increases during an incremental test in cycling, and 3) identify which core muscle has a greater activation in each intensity zone. The spinal posture and the activation of the eight core muscles were evaluated in twelve competitive cyclists during incremental cycling intensities. Thoracic and lumbar spine flexion and sacral inclination statistically increased as the intensity of effort increased (Start < VT1 < VT2 < VO2max). A significant increase in muscle activation was observed in all core muscles evaluated as the intensity increased. The rectus abdominis showed statistically significant greater muscle activation than the other core muscles evaluated. In conclusion, as the intensity of effort in cycling increases, cyclists significantly increase the thoracic and lumbar spine flexion, the sacral inclination in the sagittal plane, the thoracic and lumbar spine flexion in the frontal plane, trunk rotation in the transverse plane, as well as the activation of the core muscles.

Prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in child, adolescent and adult athletes of all sports activity levels.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Sage journals, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Springer) were systematically searched up from inception to 28 September 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Observational investigations were included to evaluate the prevalence of IS in athletes (engaged in any type of individual and team sports). Congenital scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis and de novo scoliosis were not included. The risk of bias was assessed using the tool developed by Hoy et al.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included (N=57 470, range 15–46544, participants), thirteen studies were of high-quality. The estimated prevalence of IS in athletes was 27% (95% CI 20% to 35%, I²=98%), with a 95% prediction interval (1% to 69%). The prevalence of IS was significantly higher in female athletes (35%, 95% CI 27% to 34%, I²=98%). Ballet dancers showed a high IS prevalence (35%, 95% CI 24% to 47%, I²=98%). Recreational athletes showed a higher IS prevalence (33%, 95% CI 24% to 43%, I²=98%) than at competitive-level athletes (0.05%, 95% CI 0.03% to 0.08%, I²=98%), followed by elite (20%, 95% CI 13% to 27%, I²=98%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of IS in athletes was similar or higher to that as seen in other studies of the general population. IS prevalence may have a U-shaped relationship relative to level of competition. Further studies are required to determine which sports have the highest IS prevalence.