[Correlation of back pain and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in elite horse vaulters]. / Zusammenhang zwischen Rückenschmerzen und kernspintomografischen LWS-Befunden bei Hochleistungsvoltigierern.

INTRODUCTION: A connection between morphologic lesions of the spine and specific sport disciplines incorporating torsional and hyperextension forces has been found. Although vaulting incorporates a significant amount of figures known from gymnastics, little is known about the influence of this sport on the lower back. The aim of our study was to assess to what extent vaulters suffer from back pain and whether these symptoms correlate to findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine. METHODS: 20 high level vaulters ( [see text] age 21.95 [15 - 36] years) were included in the study. Using a standardised questionnaire biometric data, training intensity, localisation as well as intensity of back pain (VAS) was assessed. 12 of these vaulters agreed to an MRI scan of their lumbar spine. Scans were evaluated for morphologic changes using a semiquantative score and the results were correlated to clinical symptoms. RESULTS: 17 / 20 (85 %) reported of back pain of which 15 (75 %) had daily pain, the remaining 2 only occasionally. The average pain intensity on the visual analogue scale (VAS) was reported to be 3.76 +/- 0.53. The MRI scans revealed only slight degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. Statistical analysis of the data (Spearman's rank test) could not show a significant correlation between clinical symptoms and morphologic MRI-changes. CONCLUSION: Vaulters, compared to riders of other disciplines, seem to suffer from recurrent back pain to a greater extent. Despite the fact that the lumbar spine is confronted with repetitive torsional and hyperextension forces, vaulters do not show undue early degenerative changes or marked lesions of the lumbar spine. Recurrent back pain in the vaulter is most likely due to functional problems. It seems unlikely that is based on manifest morphologic changes of the lower back.

[Influence of the riding discipline and riding intensity on the incidence of back pain in competitive horseback riders]. / Einfluss der Reitdisziplin und -intensität auf die Inzidenz von Rückenschmerzen bei Reitsportlern.

INTRODUCTION: The connection between morphologic changes of the spine and the intensity of training has been assessed for a number of sport activities. The influence of horseback riding on the spine has only rarely been evaluated. The aim of our study was to evaluate to what degree horseback riders suffer from back pain and whether there is an association between this parameter and the category i. e. the intensity of horseback riding. Furthermore we wanted to judge whether riding may have a positive effect on pre-existent back pain. METHODS: 508 horseback riders (63.2 % females; 36.8 % males) competing in either dressage, showjumping or vaulting were interviewed using a questionnaire. Apart from biometric data, the intensity with which riding was performed and the localisation and intensity (VAS) of back pain was assessed. Furthermore, in the case of existing back pain, riders were asked whether different riding disciplines and paces changed the intensity of pain. RESULTS: 300 dressage riders (59.1 %), 188 showjumpers (37.0 %) and 20 vaulters (3.9 %) with an average age of 33.5 Jahre (12 - 77 years) were questioned. The incidence of back pain was 72.5 %. A significant correlation between back pain and riding discipline respectively gender or riding level could not be found. Discrepancies in VAS-score for dressage riders (3.95 +/- 0.13), show jumpers (4.10 +/- 0.16) and vaulters (3.76 +/- 0.5) were marginal and not significant (p > 0.05). Overall 58.7 % resp. 15.2 % reported to have pain in the lumbar i.e cervical spine. Despite the fact that a large fraction of dressage riders claimed to have problems in these spine areas with 57.7 % resp. 68.8 %, this finding was not significant compared to the other riding disciplines. While 61.6 % of dressage riders reported an improvement of their back pain when riding, this was only the case in 40.9 % of show jumpers. CONCLUSION: Compared to the general population, a high incidence of back pain is found among riders. A significant correlation between the intensity of riding or the riding discipline and frequency or severity of back pain could not be found. For riders with pre-existent back pain the pace "walk" seems to have a positive influence on pain intensity.