Hyperlaxity and low bone mass predispose young female gymnasts to develop scoliosis suspected status

This study aimed to examine the association between scoliosis and musculoskeletal characteristics in young female gymnasts and to develop a model for predicting scoliosis. The study included 274 female gymnasts: 154 rhythmic, 60 acrobatic, and 60 artistic, aged 10–16 years. Participants were assessed for age, height, weight, and pubertal stage. Each participant was identified for scoliosis suspected status (Adam’s test and scoliometer) and examined for muscle strength, joint range of motion, hyperlaxity, bone strength, and skeletal age. Hours of training/week and years of training were recorded. The results revealed that 79/274 (28.8%) gymnasts had scoliosis suspected status without a significant difference between gymnast disciplines (p = 0.09). The scoliosis suspected status was associated with hyperlaxity (Brighton scale), smaller bone strength, higher training volume, and older age. No differences between gymnasts with and without scoliosis suspected status were found in range of motion and muscle strength. A logistic regression model for the prediction of scoliosis suspected status in gymnasts using age, bone strength, and hyperlaxity had a high predictive value (AUC = 0.87). The scoliosis suspected status was highly prevalent in young female gymnasts. Hyperlaxity, older age, high training load, and low bone strength are associated with scoliosis suspected status, while menarche and pubertal development are not. Predicting scoliosis development in young gymnasts can be important in preventing its pathogenesis.