Lifetime exercise and disk degeneration: An MRI study of monozygotic twins

Tapio Videman, Michele C. Battié, Laura E. Gibbons, Hannu Manninen, Kevin Gill, Lloyd D. Fisher, Markku Koskenvuo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Participation in some competitive sports has been shown to increase disk degeneration; however, the long-term effects of recreational physical activities are unclear. We investigated the effects of endurance exercise and power sports on disk degeneration in monozygotic male twins with contrasting lifetime exercise histories. The effects of endurance exercise were studied in 22 discordant twin pairs (mean lifetime frequencies of 3.9 vs 1.1 times/wk), and the effects of power sports were investigated in 12 discordant pairs (2,300 vs 200 h of weightlifting). The age range of the twins was from 35 to 69 yr. No differences in MRI findings between co-twins discordant for endurance exercise were found at any of the spinal regions. Subjects with more power sport involvement had greater disk degeneration in the T6-T12 region (P < 0.03), but similar findings were not present in the lumbar spine. Controlling for recalled back injuries, occupational loading, smoking, and driving did not significantly affect the results. No signs of beneficial or harmful effects of lifetime endurance exercise on disk degeneration were seen. Increased power sport participation was associated with slightly greater disk degeneration in the lower thoracic spine, but not in the lumbar spine.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1350-1356
Number of pages7
JournalMedicine and science in sports and exercise
Volume29
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Athletes
  • Physical loading
  • Running
  • Shooting
  • Soccer
  • Spine
  • Weightlifting

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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