Alterations in Upper Extremity Motion after Scapular-Muscle Fatigue
in Journal of Sport RehabilitationClick name to view affiliation
Objective:
To determine the effect of scapular fatigue on shoulder and elbow kinematics and accuracy.
Design:
Pretest–posttest.
Setting:
Laboratory.
Participants:
30 healthy men.
Interventions:
Subjects performed seated overhead throws into a target before and after a standardized scapular-muscle-fatigue protocol.
Main Outcome Measurements:
Shoulder and elbow kinematic data were analyzed during throwing. Scapular upward rotation was measured (0°, 45°, and 90° humeral elevation in scaption) with an inclinometer. Throwing accuracy was measured as mean error distance from the target (cm).
Results:
After fatigue, there was a significant increase in total elbow motion (12 % more in cocking phase, P < .05) and elbow velocity in the follow-through phase (average and maximum into flexion, P < .05). Throwing accuracy decreased 26% after fatigue (P < .05).
Conclusions:
Scapular-muscle fatigue results in compensatory motions at the elbow that might affect performance and contribute to elbow pathologies.
Suzuki is with the Athletic Dept, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA 19426. K.A. Swanik is with the Kinesiology Dept, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Huxel is with the Athletic Training Dept, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809. Kelly is with the Dept of Orthopedics, Temple Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19122. C.B. Swanik is with the Dept of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716.
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