Background/objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in trunk height and variations in spino-pelvic parameters during trunk self-elongation. Two populations were studied: non-athletes and gymnasts, who differ in their engagement with core-strengthening exercises.
Methods: EOS biplanar radiographs were taken on 14 non-athletes and 24 gymnasts in both neutral and trunk self-elongation positions. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvis and spine were used to calculate effective trunk height, thoracic and lumbar contributions, and spino-pelvic parameters.
Results: Trunk self-elongation resulted in a significant increase in trunk height for both groups (7 mm on average, range: -1 to 14 mm), accompanied by a reduction in thoracic kyphosis for all participants (-10° for non-athletes and -17° for gymnasts, on average) and a reduction in lumbar lordosis in most participants (-5° for non-athletes and -7° for gymnasts, on average). However, some individuals in both groups exhibited an increase in lumbar lordosis, which reduced the contribution of the lumbar region to overall trunk height.
Conclusions: Trunk self-elongation instruction effectively increases trunk height, but additional instructions, such as pelvic retroversion, may enhance its effectiveness.
Keywords: core strengthening; gymnastics; lumbar lordosis; rehabilitation; thoracic kyphosis.