Sagittal Configuration of Spinal Curvature Line in Sportsmen Using Moire Technique

Abstract

A separate moire photograph of 380 men's back was taken. Using a micro-computer the sagittal configuration of the spinal curvature line was reconstructed based on the moire fringe on the back. Then the sagittal configuration of this line was compared among groups according to their sports: rugby, soccer, kendo, swimming, yachting, four track and field events (sprinting, distance running, jumping, and throwing), body-building as well as non-athletic men. Distance runners and sprinters had a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis and greater degree of lumbar lordosis, while non-athletes had a smaller degree of both kyphosis and lordosis. Swimmers, bodybuilders, rugby and soccer players had partial lordosis. The degree of lumbar lordosis of swimmers and bodybuilders was less than average while the degree of thoracic kyphosis was ordinary and the degree of thoracic kyphosis of rugby and soccer players was less than average while the degree of lumbar lordosis was ordinary.