Normal values for back extensor muscles strength and lumbar extension range of motion in healthy university sportsmen

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