Abstract

SOUSA, Otília et al. Effect of scapular position on shoulder flexion maximal isometric strength . Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2007, vol.7, n.2, pp.183-188. ISSN 1645-0523.

Because of the increased emphasis on assessing, preventing and rehabilitating scapular dysfunctions and because of the great importance given to scapula and to scapular muscles in the shoulder kinetics, the purposes of our study were to assess the effect of scapular abduction and scapular adduction on maximal isometric shoulder elevation strength measured in the sagittal plane, and to test the hypothesis that isometric shoulder strength would be significantly less in the scapular abdution and adduction positions relative to the neutral position. Eighteen healthy volunteers (8 men, 10 women) ages 20 to 24 years were recruited to participate in the study. Subjects completed 3 maximal isometric shoulder elevation contractions at 90° of sagittal plane elevation in the scapular neutral, abduction and adduction positions. Mean isometric strength values were compared using One-way anova. Isometric strength was significantly higher for the neutral position compared with the scapular abduction (10,09 ± 2,41 vs. 8,14 ± 2,31; p = 0,047) and adduction positions (10,09 ± 2,41 vs. 8,11 ± 2,31; p = 0,043). Our results showed that the production of shoulder flexion isometric strength is significantly lower in scapular abduction and adduction positions compared with scapular neutral position.

Keywords : shoulder; scapular position; maximal isometric strength.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )