PR_118: Comparisons of Findings of Physical Examination and Ultrasonography Between Both Upper Extremities of University Golfers

Abstract

Objective: To compare the findings of physical examination and ultrasonography among shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints of university golfers. Design: Cross-sectional, observational study. Setting: Sports medicine laboratory and musculoskeletal ultrasonography room. Participants: 19 university golfers. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures of physical examination included range of motion (ROM), shoulder impingement test, tenderness on acromioclavicular joints (ACJs), resisted flexion and extension test in wrists, and tenderness on medial and lateral epicondyles. Ultrasonographic outcome measures included the thickness of both rotator cuff tendon and wrist common extensor and flexor tendons. Results: There were no positive findings in impingement test in shoulders, tenderness in the ACJs, resisted flexion and extension test in wrists, tenderness on medial and lateral epicondyles, or several other pain provocation tests. Dominant upper extremities had larger ROM of extension, abduction in shoulder joints, and extension in wrist joint than the nondominant side (P<.05). In ultrasound findings, there were no significant differences in thickness of rotator cuff muscles or long head of biceps brachi. The common extensor tendon of dominant elbow was thicker than that of the nondominant (P<.05). Conclusions: There were several differences between dominant and nondominant upper extremities in physical and ultrasonographic examinations. This asymmetry is thought to be related to the motions of the golf swing.