ARTICLE –
abstractNormal
values for back extensor muscles strength and lumbar extension range of
motion in healthy university sportsmen Chidozie E. Mbada, Rufus A. Adedoyin, Margaret
A. Okonji, Olubusola E. Johnson, Taofeek O. Awotidebe Department
of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile – Ife, Nigeria
Abstract
Background
and Objective. Empirical data on trunk strength and mobility
in healthy athletes may help to establish baseline data for future
reference, identify health risk factors that may interfere with sport
participation and performance, discover predispositions to injury,
predict physical performance capabilities, and also help in monitoring
rehabilitation outcomes. The objective of this study was to establish
baseline data on back extensor muscles’ strength (BEMS) and
active lumbar extension range of motion (ROM) in male collegiate
sportsmen from a Nigerian university. Materials and Methods.
This cross-sectional study involved 104 purposive collegiate sportsmen
in full and active training. A back and leg dynamometer was used to
quantify BEMS while active lumbar extension ROM was assessed using the
tape measure method. Results. The mean
scores of BEMS and active lumbar extension ROM were 141.1 ±
21.7Kg/f and 17.1 ± 2.92 inches respectively. There was no
significant difference in the BEMS (p = 0.061) and active lumbar
extension ROM (p = 0.550) of the sportsmen compared by sport types. Conclusion.
This study established baseline values of BEMS and active
lumbar extension ROM in healthy male collegiate sportsmen by age and
sport types. These values may provide insights about the back muscles
performance and spinal extension range of motion in athletes for health
care professionals and athletic trainers in order to train, prevent and
rehabilitate athletic injuries.
Key
words:back
extensors, muscle strength, lumbar extension, collegiate sportsmen
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