Evolution of Spinal Morphology and Pelvic Tilt in Cyclists of Different Ages. A Cross Sectional Study

Tweet about this on TwitterShare on FacebookEmail this to someoneShare on Google+

José María Muyor; Fernando Alacid; Pedro A. López-Miñarro & Antonio J. Casimiro

Summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sagittal spinal morphology and pelvic tilt in standing in three different age-group cyclists who had the same cycling experience and training volume. A total of 65 cyclists were divided in three age-groups: group 1: ( 30 years old; n = 20); group 2 (between 31 y 40 years old; n = 25); and group 3 ( 41 years old; n = 20). The Spinal Mouse was used to measure sagittal thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt in standing on the floor. The mean values for thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt were: group 1, 46.60 ± 10.09; - 26.40 ± 7.17; 13.20 ± 4.94; group 2, 47.64 ± 8.58; -26.92 ± 6.34; 12.24 ± 4.45; and group 3, 50.75 ± 12.77; -20.70 ± 10.10 y 8.15 ± 8.21, respectively. Significant differences were found for the lumbar spine and pelvic tilt in the groups 1 and 2 with respect to group 3. In conclusion, aging is a conditional factor to the sagittal spinal morphology and pelvic tilt in cyclists who present the same years of experience and training volume in cycling.

KEY WORDS: Cycling; Posture; Kyphosis; Lordosis; Pelvis; Spine.

How to cite this article

MUYOR, J. M.; ALACID, F.; LÓPEZ-MIÑARRO, P. A.; CASIMIRO, A. J. Evolution of spinal morphology and pelvic tilt in cyclists of different ages. A cross sectional study. Int. J. Morphol., 30(1):199-204, 2012.