How do *living* spines adapt to intense training?

How do *living* spines adapt to intense training?⭕️

In the sport of rowing, the lower back plays a crucial role as a lever, connecting power transfer from the legs to the rudder with each stroke, while experiencing repetitive cyclic compression under high axial loads. Frenken et al. (2022) sought to examine the effects of dynamic full-body physical exercise on the lumbar spine, specifically focusing on elite rowers.

Using advanced MRI techniques, researchers assessed the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of intervertebral discs (IVDs) in rowers during pre- and post-season preparation. GAGs are essential components of the IVD cartilage matrix that influence biomechanical properties like cushioning and shock absorption. Higher IVD-GAG content could potentially indicate better disc health and function.

What were the findings?

The study found that professional rowing athletes display significantly higher gagCEST values, indicating increased lumbar IVD-GAG content and strong training-induced adaptive remodeling effects of spinal composition, with potential therapeutic implications extending beyond professional athleticism.

In conclusion, intense training is transiently associated with higher gagCEST values, showing increased lumbar IVD-GAG content and strong training-induced GAG remodeling effects and adaptations of the lumbar spine. Post-competition recovery saw a decrease in GAG values, demonstrating no significant inter-group differences anymore. However, the key finding remains that elite athletes display the highest gagCEST values, pointing to increased lumbar IVD-GAG content and strong training-induced adaptive remodeling effects of spinal composition.