Clinical Trial: Trunk Muscles and Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Combat Sports

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Smaller Size and Asymmetry of Trunk Muscles in Combat Sports Athletes With Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Brief Summary: This study examined whether there is an association between the presence of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (LDD) and the size and symmetry of the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the trunk muscles in combat sports athletes. Participants in this study were collegiate combat sports athletes. All intervertebral discs from L1/2 to L5/S1 in all athletes were assessed using MRI and a comprehensive grading system of LDD (grades I-V). All 151 athletes were divided into 2 groups: LDD and non-LDD. CSAs of trunk muscles at the L3/4 disc level were measured on MRI.

Detailed Summary:

The athletes lay on a bed in the MR imaging unit in a comfortable and relaxed supine position. MR imaging was performed with a 0.3-T MR using surface coils with the body coil in the supine position (AIRIS II, Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan). T2-weighted fast spin-echo imaging was used to obtain sagittal images of the lumbar spine and intervertebral discs (repetition time, 3000 ms; echo time, 112 ms; matrix, 256 × 265; field of view, 320 mm; slice thickness, 10 mm).

All MR images, taken at 5 lumbar intervertebral disc levels from the first lumbar (L1) vertebra to the first sacral vertebra (S1), were independently evaluated by 2 experienced orthopedic specialists in a random order using a grading system for LDD assessment. Using a comprehensive grading system for LDD, discs were classified into 5 grades, as described by Pfirrman et al. This system uses characteristics of disc structure, distinction between the nucleus and annulus, MRI signal intensity, and intervertebral disc height for grading, and has been accepted as a standardized and reliable evaluation tool for assessment of MRI disc morphology. The assessment was blinded so as not to disclose any knowledge about the athlete's condition, such as the subjective functional disability level of LBP. When the 2 experienced orthopedic specialists had differing opinions on disc grades, the disagreements were debated and resolved with discussion.

The 151 participating athletes were divided into 2 groups: LDD and non-LDD. The LDD group included subjects with at least 1 abnormal disc from L1-2 to L5-S1 of grade III, IV, or V. The non-LDD group included subjects with 5 normal discs of grade I or II. For further assessment, the most damaged disc of the 5 constituted the highest grade of LDD.

CSAs of trunk muscles Transverse MR spin-ech
Sponsor: National Institute of Technology, Hiroshima College

Current Primary Outcome: Cross-sectional area or trunk muscles [ Time Frame: an average of 1 month ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: National Institute of Technology, Hiroshima College

Dates:
Date Received: March 28, 2016
Date Started: April 2001
Date Completion:
Last Updated: April 16, 2016
Last Verified: April 2016