Musculoskeletal Screening of the Lumbopelvic Complex Among Male University-Level Fast Bowlers: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study found that university-level male fast bowlers have altered hip and lower back flexibility and a notable risk of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which could lead to injury.

Contribution

The study introduces a cross-sectional assessment of musculoskeletal adaptations and SIJ dysfunction in fast bowlers, linking them to injury risk.

Findings

Fast bowlers showed increased lumbar and thoracolumbar range of motion compared to normative values.

Hip internal rotation and left lateral flexion were reduced compared to typical ranges.

SIJ dysfunction prevalence was 22.7% (standing test) and 15.9% (seated test), with moderate test agreement.

Abstract

Background and aim: Fast bowling in cricket involves intense movements, stressing the lumbopelvic complex, crucial for force transfer, and the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), making it prone to dysfunction. Repetitive actions may alter the range of motion and SIJ function, risking injury. Assessing these structures is essential to detect adaptations and dysfunctions, enabling interventions to optimize performance and prevent injuries. This study aimed to assess lumbopelvic and hip range of motion and evaluate SIJ function in university-level fast bowlers and assess the injury risk with regard to these factors.

Methodology: Forty-four male university-level fast bowlers (aged 18-26 years) underwent hip and lumbar spine range of motion testing using a bubble inclinometer and goniometer. Standing and seated flexion tests were used to evaluate SIJ function. Descriptive statistics compared the range of motion (ROM) to normative values, while SIJ prevalence was evaluated with frequency distributions and 95% confidence intervals, and test agreement was assessed using concordance counts.

Results: Compared to normative values, fast bowlers showed higher lumbar flexion (58.86±7.28° vs. 51.5°), thoracolumbar rotation (59.16±5.70°-60.80±7.14° vs. 44.5°-44.9°), and hip extension (24.80±4.36°-25.05±3.48° vs. 19.4°). Lower ROM occurred in hip internal rotation (30.41±5.76°-29.48±5.11° vs. 36.2°) and left lateral flexion (22.77±4.27° vs. 25.6°). SIJ dysfunction prevalence was 22.7 (standing flexion test, 95% CI: 12.7, 36.8) and 15.9% (seated flexion test, 95% CI: 8.0, 29.5) with 70% test agreement.

Conclusion: University-level male fast bowlers exhibit sport-specific ROM adaptations and notable SIJ dysfunction prevalence, indicating potential injury risks. Routine SIJ screening and targeted rehabilitation, including dynamic stretching, core stabilization, and manual therapy, may enhance performance and reduce injuries.

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