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Flexibility and musculoskeletal symptomatology in female gymnasts and age-matched controls

Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, School of Physical Education, and Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

F.C. Simms, M.D.

Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, School of Physical Education, and Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

V.J. Symington, B.A., P.PH.E.

Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, School of Physical Education, and Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

J.B. Garner, Ph.D.

Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, School of Physical Education, and Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sixty competitive female gymnasts and 35 age- matched nonathletic controls were interviewed for musculoskeletal symptoms and examined for flexibil ity. A significantly greater number of gymnasts (P < 0.01) had musculoskeletal symptoms in the wrist, low back, hip, shin, and foot regions than did the controls. The average number of symptomatic regions per sub ject was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in gymnasts (6.17) than in controls (2.25).

Gymnasts had greater shoulder flexion and horizon tal abduction, lumbar flexion, hip extension, and toe- touching abilities (P < 0.001). Controls surpassed gymnasts only in the extent of elbow supination (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in lum bar, knee or elbow extension. No statistically signifi cant correlations in flexibility between different body regions were identifiable in gymnasts or controls. The gymnasts with low back discomfort had greater toe- touching ability than those without symptoms. No other consistent and significant relationships between symptomatology and flexibility in a region were found.

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