Assessment of Bilateral Shoulder Range of Motion in Firefighter Trainees Using a Markerless Motion Capture System

in International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training

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Conner Howard Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9672-3403 *
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Alexis Kahnt Department of Athletic Training, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA

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Jennifer L. Volberding Department of Athletic Training, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2224-9611
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Jay Dawes Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-8873
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2022-0039
Keywords:
firefighter musculoskeletal screening; markerless motion capture analysis; shoulder dynamometry; shoulder mobility; shoulder injuries
First Published Online:
20 Jan 2023
In Print:
Volume 28: Issue 5
Page Range:
263–268
Restricted access

The unpredictable environments firefighters face paired with biomechanically compromising shoulder movements, such as overhead and lifting movements, place this population at an increased risk for shoulder injury. The purpose of this study was to assess firefighter trainees’ bilateral shoulder range of motion (ROM) using the Dynamic Athletic Research Institute Motion system. Retrospective anthropometric and ROM data for 31 male firefighter trainees were analyzed. Firefighter trainees’ mean shoulder ROM for bilateral external rotation, internal rotation, and extension were lower than previously published values. External rotation demonstrated the lowest percentage of trainees within normal ROM (left—6.67%, right—16.67%). Noting the susceptibility of upper extremity injuries among firefighters, establishing baseline ROM measurements for reference may improve musculoskeletal evaluations, training interventions, and injury rehabilitation.

The inherent range of motion of the shoulder joint makes the shoulder susceptible to injury, especially in populations that frequently perform overhead tasks, heavy lifting, and dragging, such as firefighters.

Firefighter trainees’ shoulder range of motion differs from previously published data with external rotation demonstrating the most restriction.

The use of an accurate motion capture system may allow for precise identification of shoulder dysfunction and subsequent targeted therapy to improve musculoskeletal quality in firefighters.

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