RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: As in-vivo knowledge of training-induced remodeling of intervertebral discs (IVD) is scarce, this study assessed how lumbar IVDs change as a function of long-term training in elite athletes and age-matched controls using compositional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: Prospectively, lumbar spines of 17 elite rowers (ERs) of the German national rowing team (mean age: 23.9⯱â¯3.3â¯years) were imaged on a clinical 3.0â¯T MRI scanner. ERs were imaged twice during the annual training cycle, i.e., at training intensive preseason preparations (t0) and 6â¯months later during post-competition recovery (t1). Controls (nâ¯=â¯22, mean age: 26.3⯱â¯1.9â¯years) were imaged once at corresponding time points (t0: nâ¯=â¯11; t1: nâ¯=â¯11). Segment-wise, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of lumbar IVDs (nâ¯=â¯195) was determined using glycosaminoglycan chemical exchange saturation transfer (gagCEST). Linear mixed models were set up to assess the influence of cohort and other variables on GAG content. RESULTS: During preseason, IVD GAG values of ERs were significantly higher than those of controls (ERs(t0): 2.58⯱â¯0.27% (mean⯱â¯standard deviations); controls(t0): 1.43⯱â¯0.36%; pâ¯≤â¯0.001), while during post-competition recovery, such differences were not present anymore (ERs(t1): 2.11⯱â¯0.18%; controls(t1): 1.89⯱â¯0.24%; pâ¯=â¯0.362). CONCLUSIONS: Professional elite-level rowing is transiently associated with significantly higher gagCEST values, which indicate increased lumbar IVD-GAG content and strong remodeling effects in response to training. Beyond professional rowing, core-strengthening full-body exercise may help to enhance the resilience of the lumbar spine as a potential therapeutic target in treating back pain.