Table 6 Comparison of cumulative number of spinal changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine between climbers and controls (Th1-S1)

Pfirrmann - N of IVDs per participant with grade ≥ 3

0

11 (73)

5 (33.3)

0.07

0

9 (60)

5 (33)

0.18

1

1 (7)

3 (20.0)

1

4 (27)

5 (33)

2

-

1 (6.7)

2

2 (13)

5 (33)

3

2 (13)

2 (13.3)

3

–

–

4

1 (7)

1 (6.7)

4

–

–

5

–

2 (13.3)

5

–

–

6

–

1 (6.7)

6

–

–

Modified Endplate defect score - N of levels per participant with grade ≥ 2

0

9 (60)

3 (20.0)

0.38

0

12 (80)

9 (60)

0.43

1

2 (13)

6 (40.0)

1

2 (13)

3 (20)

2

2 (13)

2 (13.3)

2

-

2 (13)

3

1 (7)

2 (13.3)

3

1 (7)

1 (7)

4

-

1 (6.7)

4

–

–

6

-

1 (6.7)

5

–

–

7

1 (7)

–

6

–

–

Modic - N of levels per participant with grade ≥ 1

0

12 (80)

14 (93.3)

0.6

0

14 (93)

14 (93)

1.00

1

3 (20)

1 (6.7)

1

1 (7)

1 (7)

Schmorl's Nodes - N of vertebrae per participant with positive findings

0

13 (86)

9 (60)

0.38

0

11 (73)

11 (73)

1.00

1

1 (7)

2 (13)

1

3 (20)

2 (13)

2

–

2 (13)

2

1 (7)

2 (13)

3

–

1 (7)

3

–

–

5

1 (7)

1 (7)

5

–

–

Apophyseal Injury - N of vertebrae per participant with positive findings

0

14 (93)

15 (100)

1.00

0

14 (93)

14 (93)

1.00

1

1 (7)

–

1

1 (7)

1 (7)

Spondylolisthesis - N of vertebrae per participant with positive findings

0

15 (100)

15 (100)

N/A

0

15 (100)

14 (93)

1.00

1

–

–

1

–

1 (7)