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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 Mar 1;31(2):e86-e94.
doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000699.

Can Exercise Targeting Mid-Thoracic Spine Segmental Movement Reduce Back Pain and Improve Sensory Perception in Cross-Country Skiers?

Alena Kobesova  1 , Ross Andel  2   3 , Karolina Cizkova  1 , Pavel Kolar  1 , Jiri Kriz  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Can Exercise Targeting Mid-Thoracic Spine Segmental Movement Reduce Back Pain and Improve Sensory Perception in Cross-Country Skiers?

Alena Kobesova et al. Clin J Sport Med. .

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of exercise targeting proper trunk stabilization and segmental spinal movement in back pain and sensory perception among cross-country skiers.

Design: Randomized, controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors.

Setting: University Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.

Participants: Twenty elite cross-country skiers aged 17 to 27 years.

Interventions: Ten cross-country skiers integrated 3 types of exercise targeting segmental motion in mid-thoracic spine into their routine training practice for 2 months. The 10 controls performed routine athletic training.

Main outcome measures: The Young Spine Questionnaire to measure intensity and frequency of back pain was completed at the start and end of study. Tactile sensory perception using 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, thermic perception using TIP THERM device, graphesthesia assessed by a touch monitor pencil, 2-point discrimination assessed by a digital caliper, and vibration perception assessed by a 128-Hz tuning fork measured in mid-thoracic spine 5 times.

Results: No significant group differences in pain and sensory perception were identified at baseline. Over the 2-month study interval, repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that the experimental group improved significantly relative to the control group on pain intensity (P = 0.005 for cervical, P = 0.004 for thoracic, and P = 0.014 for lumbar) and frequency of pain in the thoracic area only (P = 0.011). Improvements were also observed in the experimental relative to control group on graphesthesia (P < 0.001), vibration perception (P = 0.002), and 2-point discrimination (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Exercise targeting the mid-thoracic spine may decrease back pain and improve sensory perception in cross-country skiers.

Level of evidence: Original research, level I.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

References

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