Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) in DIII Collegiate Baseball and Softball Players

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) has been used as an alternative to the push up test to examine upper extremity stability and function. However, no studies have investigated its use in division III collegiate baseball (BB) and softball (SB) players. The purpose of this study was to describe the normative values, power and normalized scores for the CKCUEST for this population. METHODS: Seventy four division III collegiate athletes (SB n=24; BB n=50) between 18-21 years old signed an approved informed consent. Participants assumed a push-up (male) or a modified push-up (female) position and were instructed to alternately touch two pieces of tape placed on the ground 36 inches apart as many times as possible for 15 seconds. After one submaximal warm-up, the average number of lines touched (CKCUEST value) from three trials was calculated. Power and a normalized score were calculated based on the CKCUEST value and the participant’s weight or height, respectively. Additionally, shoulder strength was measured bilaterally for internal and external rotation using a handheld dynamometer in the standard testing position. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p<.001) between the power of BB (71.35±14.4) and SB (55.37±11.6) players. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in in the CKCUEST value or the normalized score. There were small and nonsignificant correlations between the CKCUEST and shoulder internal (IR) or external rotation (ER) strength. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported the normative values for the CKCUEST for division III SB and BB players with representation from all positions. The significant differences in power between BB and SB players may be linked to sex, training regimens and/or the physical requirements of each sport. The small correlation of shoulder IR and ER strength and the CKCUEST value may be related to the rotator cuffs primary stabilization function; which may not influence the CKCUEST value as much as the strength of the prime movers of the shoulder during the motion prescribed by the test. Strength of the pectoralis major and deltoid may better correlate with the values of the CKCUEST for this population and should be considered in future research.