SPINAL POSTURE, SAGITTAL MOBILITY, AND SUBJECTIVE RATING OF BACK PROBLEMS IN FORMER FEMALE ELITE GYMNASTS

This study analyzed posture, spinal sagittal mobility, and subjective back problems in former female elite gamnasts in comparison with match ed control subjects. The former gymnasts had less thoracic kyphosis th an the control subjects. No difference in thoracic range of motion was found. In the lumbar spine there was no difference as to either postu re or sagittal motion. The former gymnasts did not report a higher fre quency of current back problems. In the former gymnasts 27% had subjec tive back problems. In the control subjects the corresponding value wa s 38%. We did not find any correlation between posture or range of mot ion and subjective rating of back problems in either of the groups. In conclusion, former female elite gymnasts did not have more back probl ems than an age matched control group.