Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in cyclists : a comparison between two master cyclist categories : original research article

Background: Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in master cyclists may be altered due to specific cyclists' postures. Research question: To analyse and compare the spinal and pelvic postures, between two cyclist age-categories with different cycling experience. Type of study: Descriptive and comparative. Methods:Participants: Fifty-five master 30 cyclists (between 30 and 39 years of age) and 55 master 40 cyclists (between 40 and 49 years of age). Main measures of outcome: Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in relaxed standing, slumped sitting and a sit-and-reach test were measured using a Spinal Mouse® system. Results: Greater lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt in standing were found in master 30 cyclists (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found in the thoracic spine between both groups in standing. Seated thoracic kyphosis was lower in master 30 cyclists than in master 40 cyclists (p < 0.01). Kyphotic lumbar postures and posterior pelvic tilting in both groups were found in the slumped sitting and the sit-and-reach test. A high percentage of thoracic hyperkyphosis and neutral lordosis in standing were found in both groups. Conclusion: Both cyclists' categories presented a high percentage of hyperkyphosis thoracic in the standing posture, and master 40 cyclists showed a significantly lower lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt than master 30 cyclists. In the seated position, middle-aged cyclists presented a significantly higher thoracic kyphosis than younger cyclists, although in maximal trunk flexion with knees extended, both groups presented similar values.