Comparison of maximum joint angles during pole vaulting between male pole vaulters with and without lumbar disc degeneration or lumbar spondylolysis

BACKGROUND: Pole vaulting involves trunk flexion, extension, and rotation, which may place the lumbar spine under stress. Repeated pole vaulting may cause lumbar disc degeneration (DD) and lumbar spondylolysis (LS); however, this phenomenon is yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the difference in the maximum joint angles of the shoulder, hip, and trunk during pole vaulting between male pole vaulters with and without lumbar DD or LS. METHODS: This retrospective study included 17 male pole vaulters. Four high-speed cameras were used to record the pole vaulters at 240 Hz. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to examine the lumbar spine in all athletes. Differences in the data between two sets of groups were analyzed using the unpaired t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the maximum joint angle of hip flexion between pole vaulters with and without lumbar DD (p= 0.03). CONCLUSION: Pole vaulters with lumbar DD may use lumbar flexion instead of hip flexion during the rock-back movement. Moreover, LS may occur due to repeated failed vaulting. Therefore, trunk stability and functional movements should be prioritized to prevent organic changes in the lower back.