[Anomalies of the trunk. An analysis of their prevalence in young athletes].

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the influence of some sports (swimming, tennis, soccer, artistic gym, classical dance, basket, volley) on the development of the musculoskeletal system in prepuberal children. METHODS: From January 1994 to December 1997, 3,765 students of the 4th and 6th class of primary schools in the area of the health district of Cremona, underwent orthopaedic screening. The prevalence of kyphosis, hyperlordosis and back asymmetry in children playing and not playing sports were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using X2-test. RESULTS: The incidence of hyperlordosis was significantly lower in boys playing soccer while the incidence of back asymmetry was higher in girls playing basketball. Tennis was found not to be a suitable sport for either male or female prepuberal children. Swimming was the best sport for females whereas males who swan registered a higher incidence of hyperphosis compared to the control group. In females the incidence of hyperlordosis did not correlate with any of the sports considered whereas the incidence in boys playing soccer and swimming showed a decrease. Hyperkyphosis in females can be reduced by swimming and volleyball, in males by playing basketball. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained suggest the importance of an orthopaedic evaluation of children who want to take up sports.