Effects of Trunk Self-Elongation on Trunk Height and Spinal Parameters
Author Information
Author(s): Prum Grégoire, Eyssartier Camille, Bourgain Maxime, Rouch Philippe, Billard Pierre, Thoreux Patricia, Sauret Christophe, Lorenzetti Silvio, Nyland John A.
Primary Institution: Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak, Arts et Métiers Sciences and Technologies, Paris, France
Hypothesis
Active axial extension results in a measurable increase in trunk height enabled by a change in spino-pelvic balance.
Conclusion
Trunk self-elongation instruction effectively increases trunk height, but additional instructions may enhance its effectiveness.
Supporting Evidence
- Trunk self-elongation resulted in a significant increase in trunk height for both groups.
- Thoracic kyphosis decreased significantly for all participants.
- Lumbar lordosis reduced in most participants, but some showed an increase.
- Gymnasts exhibited a greater reduction in lumbar lordosis compared to non-athletes.
- Additional instructions may be needed to optimize trunk height increases.
Takeaway
When people try to stretch their backs, they can get taller by straightening up, especially if they practice it a lot, like gymnasts do.
Methodology
Participants underwent low-dose biplanar radiographs in neutral and trunk self-elongation positions to measure changes in trunk height and spino-pelvic parameters.
Potential Biases
Differences in age, height, and weight between non-athletes and gymnasts could affect results.
Limitations
Participants' interpretation of instructions may introduce bias, and the sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
14 non-athletes (6 males, 8 females; mean age: 32.1 years) and 24 gymnasts (9 males, 15 females; mean age: 14.5 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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