Characteristics of sagittal curvature and mobility of the thoracolumbar segment of the spine in students specialising in physical dance

Abstract

Aims: To understand the sagittal and mobility characteristics of the thoracolumbar segment of the spine in students specialising in physical dance. METHODS: Sagittal curvature and mobility of the thoracolumbar segment of the spine was measured in 35 standard dance students, 41 Latin dance students and 43 general university students using the Spinal Mouse spine electrometer. Results: (1) In the upright position, the sagittal curvature of the T9/10 to L4/5 segment was significantly less in standard dance-specific girls than in regular female university students (p<0.05). (2) The sagittal curvature of the T1/2~T5/6 and L1/2-L5~S1 segments in the upright position was significantly less than the spinal curvature in the shoe position for boys in the standard dance specialization (p<0.05, respectively); the sagittal curvature of the T1/2~T7/8 and L1/2~L5/S1 segments of the thoracic spine in the upright position for boys in the Latin dance specialization was significantly less than the spinal curvature in the shoe position ( p<0.05, respectively); sagittal curvature in the T1/2~T6/7 and T11/12~L5/S1 segments was significantly less than the spinal curvature in the shoe-wearing position for girls in standard dance (p<0.05, respectively); sagittal curvature in the T1/2~T7/8 and T12/L1~L5/S1 segments was significantly less than the spinal curvature in the shoe-wearing position for girls in Latin dance in the upright position (p<0.05, respectively). curvature (p<0.05, respectively). (3) In the upright to maximum forward flexion position, sagittal mobility in the T1/2 to T4/5 segments was significantly less in the standard dance-specific male students than in the general male students (p<0.05). (4) In the upright to maximum posterior extension position, the sagittal mobility of the T1/2 to T5/6 segments of the thoracic spine was significantly greater in the standard dance-specific girls than in the general female university students (p<0.05). Conclusions: (1) In the upright position, the sagittal plane thoracic posterior convexity decreased and the anterior convexity of the lumbar spine increased in girls with standard dance specialties. (2) Reduced sagittal thoracic and lumbar spine curvature in the shoe position for students of the same gender in Latin and standard dance. (3) Standard dance specific girls have better spinal-thoracic stability and standard dance boys have less flexibility in the spinal-thoracic spine.