Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of radiological abnormalities among gymnasts. However, the types of radiological abnormalities associated with low back pain (LBP) have not been clarified. The hypothesis was that significant relationships between radiological abnormalities and LBP may be revealed by discriminating between the types of MRI abnormalities while considering confounding factors. The subjects were 104 Japanese collegiate gymnasts (men, 70; women, 34). The presence of LBP was evaluated using the questionnaire developed by Osaka City University (OCU Test). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities were evaluated using T1- and T2-weighted MRI. The prevalence of more than 1 MRI abnormality in gymnasts was 47.1% (49/104). The chi-square test showed that the incidence of lumbar disc degeneration (LDDG) and limbus vertebra was significantly greater in gymnasts with LBP than in gymnasts without LBP. By using logistic regression analysis to analyze the concomitant environmental variables, only LDDG (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-6.66) was selected as a statistically significant variable accounting for LBP. In conclusion, LDDG is a predictor for LBP in Japanese collegiate gymnasts.
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