Why do idiopathic scoliosis patients participate more in gymnastics?

Abstract

The influence of physical and sporting activities (PSA) on idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is still obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether such an influence exists and if so, to determine its characteristics. Two hundred and one teenagers with IS and a control group of 192 adolescents completed an epidemiological questionnaire. Those practising gymnastics were more numerous in the IS group than in the control group. Moreover, the practice of gymnastics was chosen before IS was diagnosed. As gymnastic activities are considered neither as a therapy nor as a precursor of IS, the distribution observed could be linked to a common factor that both increases the likelihood of IS and favors the practice of gymnastics. Joint laxity (JL) may be such a common factor, and was therefore tested (wrist and middle finger) on 42 girls with IS and 21 girls of a control group. IS patients, practising gymnastics or not, showed a higher JL than the control group practising gymnastics or not. Furthermore, the groups practising gymnastic activities did not show higher JL levels than the other groups. Children with a high JL could be drawn toward gymnastics because of their ability to adapt to the constraints of this sport. Girls with a high JL may therefore be prone to developing IS. The fact that most teenagers with IS practise gymnastics could be related to a higher JL.

Body Composition, Muscle Quality and Scoliosis in Female Collegiate Gymnasts: A Pilot Study

“…The high prevalence observed does not imply a causative relationship between gymnastics and scoliosis. As Meyer et al [16] suggested, individuals with greater joint laxity, who are at an increased risk of developing scoliosis, may gravitate toward gymnastics. While back pain is prevalent amongst gymnasts [13], idiopathic scoliosis may not necessarily cause pain in adolescents participating in gymnastics [16].…”

“…As Meyer et al [16] suggested, individuals with greater joint laxity, who are at an increased risk of developing scoliosis, may gravitate toward gymnastics. While back pain is prevalent amongst gymnasts [13], idiopathic scoliosis may not necessarily cause pain in adolescents participating in gymnastics [16]. Further, all spinal curves observed in the current study were mild in magnitude (<20°), and repetitive unilateral twists performed by gymnasts could cause musculoskeletal asymmetry in the absence of scoliosis [13].…”

“…Authors proposed that a triad of factors may contribute to this finding, including increased joint laxity, delayed growth and maturity, and chronic asymmetrical loading of the spine in gymnasts [26]. Meyer et al [16] have questioned a causative relationship between gymnastics participation and scoliosis development, suggesting that individuals with greater joint laxity, which is associated with idiopathic scoliosis, may gravitate toward gymnastics and excel due to greater articular flexibility. Recently, Taylor et al [27] validated a novel technique for identifying scoliosis using DXA.…”

Clinical investigation and imaging

“…Tanchev et al [6] reported a tenfold higher incidence for idiopathic scoliosis in rhythmic gymnastic trainees than in their normal coevals. Even though still obscure, the generally noted joint laxity in gymnasts may be seen as a co-factor in the development or progression of AIS [7].…”

Scoliosis and Sport

“…Taking into consideration that the implications of physical and sports activities on IS are still vague, Meyer et al (2006) conducted a research on the implications of sports activities on scoliosis. The results of the research showed that the patients with IS, regardless of whether they practised gymnastics or not, had a higher degree of joint hypermobility than the persons from the control group.…”