ABSTRACT

Year : 2022  |  Volume : 6  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 72

Physiotherapy in Musculoskeletal and Sports conditions: AB No: 127: Restricted Lumbar Range of Motion- Can it be a predictor of Early Lumbar Injury in adolescent Cricketers?

Sinduja Dochibatla, Geethasudha Umapathy
SRMC, Chennai

Correspondence Address:

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

DOI: 10.4103/2456-7787.361077

Purpose: The lumbar spine is subjected to considerable stress and varied degree of motion during multiple actions (bowling, batting, and fielding) in cricket. The purpose of this study was to identify if restricted lumbar range of motion, can be a predictive of development of lumbar injury. Relevance: Lumbar spine ROM is the most under looked component in athletes, as major focus is seldom on strength and muscular endurance. Studies suggest significant issues in cricketers are commonly seen due reduced lumbar spine mobility/range leading to compensations on musculo-fascial systems causing increased lumbar loads and abnormal biomechanics. Participants: 30 adolescent cricketers with mean age of group of 14.75 ±2.55 attending centre for sports sciences, Chennai with and without history of LBA participated in the study. All the participants provided consents. Methods: A comprehensive musculoskeletal screening was conducted for 2 consecutive days where the lumbar ranges flexion, extension, lateral flexion and thoraco-lumbar rotation were recorded using a baseline bubble inclinometer. A pre-participatory injury surveillance questionnaire was administered prior to the assessment. Analysis: The ratios of lumbar ROM data was extracted and analysed using SPSS software to its mean values and interpreted with the normative values of lumbar ROM. Results: Upon data extractions significant reductions were noted in side flexion> thoraco lumbar rotation than lumbar extension/flexion with their SMD 19.48±6.6(R), 18±5.07(L), 22.9±5.86(R), 20.48±6.32(L), 21.38±6.49, 44.41±6.92 respectively of notable difference from normative ranges and 5/30 players reported previous histories of LBA. Conclusion: In summary, the study concludes that 24/30 participants presented with restricted lumbar side flexion and thoraco-lumbar rotations which can be associated to predict the development of lumbar injury, as most of injuries in cricket (bowling) seldom occur as a result of abnormal force productions due to restrictions in side flexion and thoracic rotation contributing to stress fractures and other spinal injuries. Future research should aim to co-relate restricted LROM to lumbar injury qualitatively and quantitatively as cohort

Keywords: Lumbar range of motion, Lumbar injuries, Low back ache, Adolescent cricketers