0000000000144727
AUTHOR
Yuan Ling
Beneficial Intervertebral Disc and Muscle Adaptations in High-Volume Road Cyclists
PURPOSE: Cycling is widely practiced as a mode of transportation, a leisurely pursuit and a competitive sport. Approximately half of cyclists experience low back pain. Yet, there has been limited study of spine tissue adaptations due to cycling. METHODS: To investigate potential risk factors for spinal pain, we compared 18 high-volume cyclists (>150 km per week for ³5 years) to 18 height-matched non-sporting referents. Participants had no history of spinal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify intervertebral disc (IVD) morphology and hydration; and psoas, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum and multifidus muscle size and fat content. Endurance of trunk muscles (flexors a…
Beneficial Intervertebral Disc and Muscle Adaptations in High-Volume Road Cyclists.
Purpose Cycling is widely practiced as a mode of transportation, a leisurely pursuit, and a competitive sport. Approximately half of cyclists experience low back pain. Yet, there has been limited study of spine tissue adaptations due to cycling.Methods To investigate potential risk factors for spinal pain, we compared 18 high-volume cyclists (>150 kmwk(-1) for 5 yr) to 18 height-matched nonsporting referents. Participants had no history of spinal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify intervertebral disc (IVD) morphology and hydration, and psoas, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and multifidus muscle size and fat content. Endurance of trunk muscles (flexors and extens…