Different training modes for the rotator cuff muscle group. A comparative study

Abstract

Thirty six Physical Education students participated in this study and were randomly assigned in three groups: a. The first experimental 'isokinetic group' (N = 12) followed an isokinetic strengthening program for the rotator cuff muscle group. Its isokinetic exercise protocol consisted of 10 set of 10 repetitions at 90, 120, 180, 210, 240, 240, 210, 180, 120 and 90 deg/sec respectively, b. The second experimental 'MJDR group' (N = 12) used the multi joint dynamic resistance training mode for the same muscle group. Its exercise program consisted of four exercises: 1. Pull-ups or lat pull downs, 2. Overhead press, 3. Reverse pull ups and 4. Push-ups (submaximal effort, 8-15 repetitions in 3-7 sets, rest between sets ranging from 2-4 minutes), c. The 'control' group (N = 12) had no strengthening training. Testing was performed in the supine position with the glenohumeral joint in 900 of abduction in the coronal plane, with a range of motion of 0-900 of external rotation and 0-650 of internal rotation at 60, 120 and at 1800/sec. The testing procedure was performed before and after the exercise period of six weeks. The results showed that in both movements and extremities the performance improvement was not the same for the three groups (interaction 'group' and 'test'). In both internal and external rotation and both extremities, statistically significant improvement in performance was observed only for the two experimental groups.