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Spinal Deformities and Injuries in Competitive Swimming: A Systematic Review
Views:19Competitive swimming is traditionally considered a low‑impact sport; however, repetitive stroke mechanics, high training volumes, and stroke‑specific lumbar loading patterns may contribute to spinal malalignment, lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (LDD), and low back pain (LBP). Emerging evidence suggests that these risks may be particularly relevant for adolescent and young adult swimmers who undergo early and intensive training. Our study systematically reviewed the literature on spinal posture, lumbar disc degeneration, and low back pain in competitive swimmers aged 6–25 years, and identified key risk factors and preventive strategies.
A systematic search of Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort designs published between 2005 and 2024 that involved competitive swimmers with ≥2–3 years of training and ≥3 weekly sessions. Outcomes of interest were spinal posture abnormalities, MRI-confirmed LDD, and LBP prevalence. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
Across studies, swimmers exhibited a higher prevalence of postural deviations—including hyperkyphosis, hyperlordosis, trunk asymmetry, and anterior pelvic tilt—compared with non-athletes. MRI-based studies consistently report elevated rates of LDD among swimmers, particularly at L4–L5 and L5–S1, with degeneration present in up to 68% of elite swimmers, compared with 29–31% of controls. LBP was identified as the second most common musculoskeletal complaint among swimmers, with an increased risk associated with greater training exposure and strokes that involve repetitive lumbar flexion–extension (e.g., butterfly, breaststroke). Contributing factors included early specialization, muscular imbalances, and technical inefficiencies. Methodological limitations included small sample sizes and predominantly cross-sectional designs.
Competitive swimming is associated with increased rates of spinal postural abnormalities, lumbar disc degeneration, and low back pain in youth and young adult athletes. Early screening, core stabilization, stroke technique optimization, and training load management are essential to mitigate spinal stress. Longitudinal research is needed to clarify causal pathways and inform evidence-based prevention strategies.
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THE INVOLVEMENT OF ADVANCED COGNITIVE SKILLS IN VARIOUS FOOTBALL – SPECIFIC TESTS A PILOT STUDY
Views:534Sports professionals should encourage the development of cognitive functions as often as possible in training. Stimulating the brain with alternating stimuli can promote concentration, attention, and the development of situational awareness and decision-making skills. The more and more diverse stimuli the player receives, the faster and more effectively he will react to match situations. Our research examined the effect of exercises requiring advanced cognitive skills on the training load. Changes in cardiovascular data were monitored using Polar Verity Sense 4J and Polarflow systems. The pilot study involved a U-16 football player. Our results demonstrated that in addition to increasing speed, duration, and number of repetitions, the gradual inclusion of decision-making situations can also effectively increase the load. The participant completed two sets of exercises. During the second test, more complex exercises required advanced cognitive skills. The average heart rate for the first test was 130 beats per minute. We experienced an increase in the average value (150 beats per minute) during the completion of the second test. We measured an average 15 percent increase in the participants' heart rate.
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PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF MOTORCYCLE RACERS FOR THE EVIDENCE-BASED TRAINING
Views:20Motorcycle racers are subjected to extreme physical and physiological stresses that can affect their performance. This research aimed to investigate physiological factors that may influence performance and to make recommendations for effective training design. Three international-level Hungarian motorcycle racers were studied in laboratory, competition, and race simulation environments. Their mean age was 20.33 years (± 2.3), sport age 15.66 years (± 3.78), body weight 73.9 kg (± 8.7), and height 1.78 m (± 0.1). Resting measurements, load tests, and track tests were performed during the study. To analyze exercise stress in competitive conditions, we used heart rate monitoring and lactate measurements during the final round of the 2024 World Endurance Championships and a track test in Hungary. The laboratory measurements identified three athletes with different fitness statuses, who demonstrated significant individual differences in both cardiovascular and metabolic load during racing. The results showed that the pilot with greater aerobic capacity had a higher relative heart rate and lower lactate levels, whereas the pilot with greater anaerobic capacity showed the opposite. This suggests that energy production processes differ between riders. Aerobic capacity primarily supports recovery and more economical energy production, while anaerobic fitness can provide the performance needed for high-intensity activities. Striking the right balance can be the key to optimizing riders' performance.