Descriptive profile of scapulothoracic position, strength and flexibility variables in adolescent elite tennis players

Abstract

Background Tennis requires repetitive overhead movement patterns that can lead to upper extremity injury. The scapula plays a vital role in injury-free playing. Scapular dysfunction has been associated with shoulder injury in the overhead athlete. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe variables regarding scapular position, muscle strength and fl exibility in young elite tennis players. Methods Thirty-fi ve adolescent Swedish elite tennis players (19 boys, aged 13.6 (±1.4) years, 16 girls, aged 12.6 (±1.3) years), selected on the basis of their national ranking, underwent a clinical screening protocol consisting of: scapular upward rotation at several angles of arm elevation; isometric scapular muscle strength; and anthropometric measurement of pectoralis minor (PM) length. Results The players showed signifi cantly more scapular upward rotation on their dominant side (p<0.001). For both genders, upper trapezius (p=0.003) and serratus anterior (p=0.01) strength was signifi cantly greater on the dominant side, whereas middle and lower trapezius strength showed no side differences. PM was shorter on the dominant side (p<0.001), and in the female players (p=0.006) compared with the boys. Conclusion These results indicate some sportsrelated adaptations of young tennis players on their dominant side at the scapulothoracic level to exposure to their sport. These data may assist the clinician in the prevention and rehabilitation of sport-specifi c injuries in adolescent tennis players.

Análise do SICK Scapula em jogadores de handebol com e sem dor no ombro durante o arremesso

“…O ombro é a região anatômica com maior incidência de lesões por esforço repetitivo nos atletas de handebol, estudos demonstram que a taxa de frequência das lesões agudas e crônicas no ombro desses atletas varia de 30 -45% 1,2 . O posicionamento adequado e o movimento apropriado da escápula permitem que os atletas possam atingir o máximo de desempenho com menos riscos de lesões no ombro 8,10,16 . Durante o movimento de arremesso com o braço em posição de 90º de abdução e 90º de flexão do cotovelo, a escápula gira superiormente 12,15,16 , realiza uma rotação externa e inclina posteriormente 8,10,16 , dessa forma aumenta o espaço subacromial 17,18 e otimiza a transmissão de força seqüencial de proximal para distal permitindo maior energia, velocidade e força no arremesso 17,19,20 .…”

“…Associado a diminuição de amplitude de rotação interna, alguns autores têm sugerido que a disfunção escapular pode ter um papel significante nas patologias do ombro arremessador 7,8 . A discinesia escapular é definida como uma alteração na posição escapular, tanto dinâmica quanto estática, resultante de desequilíbrios da musculatura periescapular secundário à fadiga, trauma ou lesão neurológica 9,10 . Tem sido relacionadas com diminuição do desempenho no arremesso e com o aumento na incidência de lesões do membro superior dos arremessadores [7][8][9]11 .…”

Cervical-scapular muscles strength and severity of temporomandibular disorder in women with mechanical neck pain

“…The assessment protocol of muscle strength was based on studies by Cools et al (32), and Cagnie et al (6). The examiners were previously trained by a researcher with test for normality of variables.…”

“…The averages were calculated for both measures, which were expressed in kilogram-force (Kgf) and normalized by each volunteer's body mass (Kg) (each muscle strength value/body mass) (32). The normalization of strength data is fundamental to allow the comparison of individuals of different physical completions.…”

“…All volunteers were informed about previous experience in the application of the assessment protocol of muscle strength, and the required care was taken regarding the speci icity of the muscle function assessed. Before muscle strength measurement, the volunteers' body mass was registered for subsequent data normalization, as described by Cools et al (32).…”