The effect of an 8-week training program on functional stability and isometric strength of shoulder girdle muscles in overhead athletes with scapula dyskinesia

Scapular dyskinesia, is common among athletes who participate in overhead sports, and has been theorized to predispose athletes to shoulder injury. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an 8-week training program on the functional stability and isometric strength of shoulder girdle muscles in the overhead throwing athletes with scapular dyskinesia.

The present research was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test. Thirty-eight athletes were divided into two groups of volleyball of 20 players (10 for experimental group, 10 for control) and handball of 18 players (10 for experimental group, 8 for control one). The maximal isometric strength of muscles was measured with manual dynamometer and functional stability with Y balance board.

The results showed that after 8 weeks of training program, there were significant increase in the amount of muscular strength of the infraspinatus, middle trapezius, lower Trapezius and serrates anterior (p≤0.05). Also, the combined score in functional stability of the upper extremity test after training program increased significantly in volleyball and handball experimental groups (p≤0.05).

It seems that the training program administered as a chain movement improves the strength of the scapular muscles and the functional stability in the upper extremity. Therefore, it is recommended to use this exercise in overhead throwing athletes with scapular dyskinesia. Key words: Scapula, Muscle strength, Functional Stability, Athletes, Training programs