Trunk Muscles and Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Combat Sports

This study examined whether there is an association between the presence of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (LDD) and the size and symmetry of the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the trunk muscles in combat sports athletes. Participants in this study were collegiate combat sports athletes. All intervertebral discs from L1/2 to L5/S1 in all athletes were assessed using MRI and a comprehensive grading system of LDD (grades I-V). All 151 athletes were divided into 2 groups: LDD and non-LDD. CSAs of trunk muscles at the L3/4 disc level were measured on MRI.