LAUSR

CONTEXT Previous research has analyzed how the sport influences sagittal spinal curvatures in young athletes and has found that spinal curves may be modified as a consequence of repeated movement patterns and postures of each discipline. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to analyze sagittal spinal alignment by equestrian discipline and its relation to training load as well as to describe 'Sagittal Integrative Morphotype' in young dressage and show jumping riders. DESIGN Observational descriptive study. SETTING Training room. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-three riders (range 9-17 years old), 13 dressage riders (3 males, 10 females) and 10 show jumping riders (5 males, 5 females) participated voluntarily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mann-Whitney U test was applied to determine differences between riders' characteristics (gender, discipline and training load) and spine variables. RESULTS According to normality ranges for spinal curves, females showed an increase for lumbar curvature in standing position. It was found that show jumping riders manifested an increment in thoracic and lumbar curves while standing and an increase in the thoracic curvature in slump sitting. It was observed that show jumping riders had significantly higher values for the thoracic curvature in slump sitting than dressage riders. Statistical significant differences were found when lumbar curvature, 'Sit and Reach' distance and Lumbo-Horizontal angle in flexion were analyzed by gender in 'Sit and Reach' test. No statistical significant differences were found when spinal curves in each position were analysed depending on the training load. With regard to 'Sagittal Integrative Morphotype', all riders presented a hyperkyphotic dorsal morphotype no matter what their discipline. As for the lumbar curve, dressage and show jumping riders presented a functional hyperkyphotic morphotype. CONCLUSIONS It is important to note the high rates of riders with spinal angles out of the normality references. In this sense, it was found that many riders presented a sagittal imbalance for the thoracic and lumbar curves. Therefore, as the sagittal spinal misalignments persist and worsen over time, exercise programs to prevent or rehabilitate these imbalances in young riders will be needed. Furthermore, 'Sagittal Integrative Morphotype' assessment will be an essential tool in order to identify the spinal misalignment.