Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study

Background: Running, a fundamental motor skill, evolves with experience, significantly influencing coordination and thoracic mobility. Our study aims to investigate whether prolonged engagement in running could result in distinct variations in thoracolumbar mobility and kinematic efficiency among in...

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Main Authors: Kübra Sarıoğlu, Volga Bayrakcı Tunay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2777
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author Kübra Sarıoğlu
Volga Bayrakcı Tunay
author_facet Kübra Sarıoğlu
Volga Bayrakcı Tunay
author_sort Kübra Sarıoğlu
collection DOAJ
description Background: Running, a fundamental motor skill, evolves with experience, significantly influencing coordination and thoracic mobility. Our study aims to investigate whether prolonged engagement in running could result in distinct variations in thoracolumbar mobility and kinematic efficiency among individuals with varying levels of running experience. Methods: This study examined thoracic mobility among sedentary individuals and runners who have been running for the last six months and the last two years. Measurements included latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle tone, elasticity, stiffness, trunk flexibility and range of motion (ROM), lumbar extensor shortness, thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) length, and the modified Schober test. Results: LD tone was lower in six-month runners, while sedentary individuals had the greatest LD elasticity and stiffness. The modified Schober test results indicated that the six-month runners scored the highest. Two-year runners had significantly greater dominant-side lateral flexion than sedentary individuals and six-month runners. TLF length was highest in running for two-year runners. Two-year runners exhibited the greatest dominant-side lateral flexion, while six-month runners showed more flexion and two-year runners more extension. Conclusions: Prolonged running experience may enhance thoracolumbar mobility and muscle tone. Furthermore, the observed stiffness and reduced elasticity in sedentary individuals highlight the detrimental effects of inactivity on spinal and muscular health.
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spelling doaj-art-a23f386cfe8c4ebd8fbca03e37d99eea2025-08-20T02:05:09ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01155277710.3390/app15052777Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative StudyKübra Sarıoğlu0Volga Bayrakcı Tunay1Faculty of Pyhsical Therapy and Rehabilitation Ankara, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, TurkeyFaculty of Pyhsical Therapy and Rehabilitation Ankara, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, TurkeyBackground: Running, a fundamental motor skill, evolves with experience, significantly influencing coordination and thoracic mobility. Our study aims to investigate whether prolonged engagement in running could result in distinct variations in thoracolumbar mobility and kinematic efficiency among individuals with varying levels of running experience. Methods: This study examined thoracic mobility among sedentary individuals and runners who have been running for the last six months and the last two years. Measurements included latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle tone, elasticity, stiffness, trunk flexibility and range of motion (ROM), lumbar extensor shortness, thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) length, and the modified Schober test. Results: LD tone was lower in six-month runners, while sedentary individuals had the greatest LD elasticity and stiffness. The modified Schober test results indicated that the six-month runners scored the highest. Two-year runners had significantly greater dominant-side lateral flexion than sedentary individuals and six-month runners. TLF length was highest in running for two-year runners. Two-year runners exhibited the greatest dominant-side lateral flexion, while six-month runners showed more flexion and two-year runners more extension. Conclusions: Prolonged running experience may enhance thoracolumbar mobility and muscle tone. Furthermore, the observed stiffness and reduced elasticity in sedentary individuals highlight the detrimental effects of inactivity on spinal and muscular health.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2777runninglatissimus dorsimuscle tensionflexibility
spellingShingle Kübra Sarıoğlu
Volga Bayrakcı Tunay
Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study
Applied Sciences
running
latissimus dorsi
muscle tension
flexibility
title Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study
title_full Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study
title_fullStr Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study
title_full_unstemmed Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study
title_short Influence of Thoracolumbar Mobility on Running Performance: A Comparative Study
title_sort influence of thoracolumbar mobility on running performance a comparative study
topic running
latissimus dorsi
muscle tension
flexibility
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2777
work_keys_str_mv AT kubrasarıoglu influenceofthoracolumbarmobilityonrunningperformanceacomparativestudy
AT volgabayrakcıtunay influenceofthoracolumbarmobilityonrunningperformanceacomparativestudy