Comparing selected spinal column postural abnormalities of professional and amateur Wushu athletes with those of non-athletes

The execution of skillful movement patterns during sport practice sessions and real contests can lead to negative adaptations in the skeletal system. This study aimed at investigating kyphosis، lordosis and forward head abnormalities in professional and amateur Wushu athletes، and comparing them with the same abnormalities in non-athletes. 50 professional and 50 amateur Wushu athletes along with 50 non-athletes participated in the present study. Kyphosis and lordosis were measured using a flexible ruler. In order to measure the angle of forward head، a handmade goniometer was used. Data were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The degree of Kyphosis، lordosis and forward head differed significantly among the studied groups (F = 22. 08، P < 0. 01; F = 1. 8، P < 0. 01; F = 15. 8، P < 0. 01، respectively). As the following figures indicate، the professional athletes had the highest rate of postural abnormalities among the subjects studied: kyphosis: 49. 8 ± 13، lordosis: 51. 2 ± 9 and forward head: 35. 6 ± 7. 2. The presence of kyphosis، lordosis and forward head abnormalities in professional athletes indicates the importance of devoping more specific training programs for Wuahu athletes.