Seasonal Changes in Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in University Rugby Players

Purpose Although smaller lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) was reported to be a strong predictor of lower limb injury (LLI) in Australian Football League players, LMM morphology has not been investigated in rugby athletes. This study examined seasonal changes in LMM in rugby players and whether LMM characteristics were associated with low back pain (LBP) and LLI. Methods Ultrasound examinations of the LMM were acquired in 21 university-level rugby players (12 women, 9 men) at preseason and end-season. LMM cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness at rest, and thickness during submaximal contraction (e.g., contralateral arm lift) measurements in prone and standing were obtained bilaterally at the L5-S1 level. The percent change in LMM thickness during contraction was calculated as follows: [(thickness(contracted) - thickness(rest))/thickness(rest) x 100]. Self-reported questionnaires were used to acquire data on LBP and LLI. Results There was no significant difference in LMM characteristics between preseason and end-season measurements (P > 0.05). Preseason LMM CSA, side-to-side CSA asymmetry, and thickness at rest or during contraction were not associated with LBP or LLI. However, a lower percent thickness change in the standing position was significantly associated with having LBP during the preseason (P = 0.01) and playing season (P = 0.001), as well as LLI during the preseason (P = 0.03). Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that LMM contractile ability and behavior during functional movement, such as standing, may have important implications for the susceptibility to injury among rugby athletes.

Automated summary

This study found no significant changes in lumbar multifidus muscle characteristics in rugby players between preseason and end-season measurements. However, a lower percent thickness change in the standing position was significantly associated with low back pain and lower limb injury among rugby athletes.