Shoulder Girdle Strength Research Articles

Ефективність впровадження програми корекційно-профілактичних заходів для офісних працівників з різним станом біомеханіки опорно-рухового апарату

Topicality. Today's challenges require further improvement of technologies for correcting the motor activity of office workers through the use of a wide range of health fitness tools, which are gaining more and more popularity at the current stage. Goal. To determine the effectiveness of implementing a program of corrective and preventive measures for men aged 36–45 who work in offices at a computer. Research Methods: comparative analysis of the angular characteristics of the biogeometric profile of men's posture and indicators of their physical fitness before and after the study. The Results of the conducted research proved the effectiveness of corrective and preventive classes in terms of the positive impact on indicators of body goniometry and physical fitness of men in the second period of maturity with a round back. Thus, in men aged 36–45, the head tilt angle (a1) increased statistically significantly (T=0; Z=3,516; p=0,0004) by 10,5 %, a statistically significant (T=0; Z=3,516; p=0,0004) increase in the visual angle (a2) by 1,60 % was also recorded, and the angle of inclination of the trunk (a3) decreased statistically significantly (T=1,5; Z=3,439; p=0,0006) by 20,0 %. Recorded: statistically significant (T=0; Z=3,516; p=0,0004) increase in upper limb strength by 40 %, statistically significant (T=0; Z=3,296; p=0,00104) increase in speed-power index abilities by 66,67 %, a statistically significant (T=0; Z=3,516; p=0,0004) increase in the flexibility index by 62,5 %, and the shoulder girdle strength index is statistically significant (T=0; Z=3,516; p =0,0004) increased by only 7,55 %. Conclusion. According to the results of the comparative analysis, it was found that in both subgroups of men, angle α1 and angle α2 increased statistically significantly (p<0,05), and angle α3 decreased statistically significantly (p<0,05), while in men 36–40 years, the angle α1 and angle α2 increased more rapidly. The comparative analysis of physical fitness indicators before and after the study made it possible to state a statistically significant (p<0,05) improvement in both men 36–40 and men 41–45 years old. Thus, the conducted research confirmed the effectiveness of our proposed program.

Effects of Circuit Training on Sports Performance of Semi-professional Roll Ball Players

This study aimed to determine the six-week circuit training's effect on the components of fitness of semi-professional roll ball players. To accomplish the goal of this study, sixty (60) roll ball players between the ages of fourteen and eighteen were chosen, and they were split into two equal groups: An experimental group (n = 30), and a control group (n = 30). The full duration of the circuit training program was six weeks with three sessions per week. In addition, the experimental group had a circuit training regimen which was added to their regular traditional regimen. The control group did not have a specified training program instead they had their routine regular regimen. The physical fitness variables selected as dependent variables were speed, agility, explosive power, upper body and shoulder girdle strength endurance, abdominal strength, and endurance. The speed was determined through the 50m dash run, Agility was measured with the 4 x 10m shuttle run performance, the explosive power was determined by Standing broad jump, and the abdominal strength was measured through bent knee sit-ups and the upper body and shoulder girdle strength were determined from pull-ups. The tests were conducted before and after the six weeks of circuit training. An eight-station circuit was formulated, and an adaptation period of two weeks was provided. Every two weeks, we added at least ten seconds to each station’s exercise. The data collected was analyzed by paired t-test to examine if any significant difference exists or not between pre–test and post-test scores of the experimental group as well as between the pre and post–test scores of the control group. An unpaired t-test has been used for determining if the difference between scores in the pretest of experimental and control groups is significant and for post-test equality of experimental and control groups as well. Mean, SD, and t-ratio were tested. Accordingly, it was determined that a six-week circuit training workout was highly effective as it had visible effects on all the selected parameters of physical fitness.

Reliability and validity of portable dynamometers in testing shoulder and shoulder girdle strength: A systematic review

Introduction
 The prevalence of shoulder pain is high in overhead athletes and in wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Especially in the latter, shoulder pain can have detrimental consequences for an individual's mobility, participation, and quality of life. Shoulder problems have been associated with high and/or repetitive loads induced by for example overhead activities, as well as manual wheelchair activities (Leong et al., 2019; Morrow et al., 2011). Modifiable risk factors for shoulder pain are related to the capacity of the shoulder musculature and include the relative strength or lack of force in certain shoulder muscles (Mulroy et al., 2015). Although isokinetic dynamometers are considered the gold standard in assessing muscle strength, they are typically not available in a therapy or training setting. Strength measurements with portable dynamometers offer a more feasible and financially affordable alternative. To assess changes in muscle strength over time, reliable and valid shoulder and shoulder girdle muscle strength tests are required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify validated and reliable portable dynamometer protocols to assess changes in shoulder strength in the general population and wheelchair users with SCI over time.
 Methods
 A literature search was performed with defined terms from the three main concepts “shoulder joint”, “strength testing” and “reproducibility of results”. The electronic search strategy was developed with the help of a librarian and adapted for the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library (Central register of controlled trials), Web of Science (Core Collection), CINAHL. The population of interest was the general population (≥ 18 years) with and without shoulder pain with a special focus on wheelchair users with SCI. Title and abstract screening, full-text screening, quality assessment and data extraction was performed using Covidence.org. For quality assessment selected boxes from the “COSMIN Risk of Bias tool” were used. Data extraction was performed by two independent authors. The main outcome measures extracted where test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement and minimum detectable difference) and concurrent validity (intraclass correlation coefficient).
 Results
 Trough systematic search 8,020 studies were identified for screening. Initially 2,267 were excluded as duplicates and 5,647 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. 106 full-texts have been screened. As data extraction is ongoing the results of reliability and validity of portable dynamometer in testing shoulder strength will be presented at the conference.
 Discussion/Conclusion
 As data extraction is ongoing the discussion and conclusion will be presented at the conference.
 References
 Leong, H. T., Fu, S. C., He, X., Oh, J. H., Yamamoto, N., & Yung, S. H. P. (2019). Risk factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 51(9), 627-637. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2598
 Morrow, M. M. B., Kaufman, K. R., An, K.-N. (2011). Scapula kinematics and associated impingement risk in manual wheelchair users during propulsion and a weight relief lift. Clinical Biomechanics, 26(4), 352-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.12.001
 Mulroy, S. J., Hatchett, P., Eberly, V. J., Lighthall Haubert, L., Conners, S., & Requejo, P. S. (2015). Shoulder strength and physical activity predictors of shoulder pain in people with paraplegia from spinal injury: Prospective cohort study. Physical Therapy, 95(7), 1027-1038. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20130606

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF VARIOUS FORCE-TIME INDICATORS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FINGER AND SHOULDER GIRDLE STRENGTH IN CLIMBING

The rate of upper limb force development (RFD) is one of the important performance factors in sport climbing. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of various force-time indicators for the assessment of finger and shoulder girdle strength in climbing. Ten male lead climbers (climbing ability: advanced; IRCRA: 22 ± 2) performed two RFD and two maximal strength tests for the finger flexor and shoulder girdle muscles (one-arm finger hangs and lock-off s, respectively). The maximal strength tests were used to assess maximal force (Fmax). The RFD tests were used to assess: peak force (Fpeak); time for reaching force representing 25%, 50%, and 75% of the body weight (T25%BW, T50%BW, T75%BW); and absolute and relative RFD indicators (e.g., RFD at 200 ms and 95% Fpeak, respectively). The reliability of the finger flexor RFD indicators was high (intrasession intraclass correlation coefficients - ICC between .760 and .973; intersession ICC between .883 and .955). Intersession reliability of the finger flexor T50%BW and T75%BW reached excellent values (ICC = .949 and ICC = .978, respectively). Reliability of the finger flexor and lock-off Fpeak and Fmax was also high (ICC between .850 and .966). Consistency between Fpeak and Fmax was not satisfactory, though. These variables differed significantly (p = .035) in the finger flexor tests, and ICC was moderate (.605) in the lock-off tests. Most of the lock-off force-time indicators had moderate or poor reliability. Finger flexor and lock-off Fmax/kg and T50%BW correlated significantly (p < .05) with the climbing ability (R = .805, R = .653, and R = -.703, respectively), while lock-off force-time indicators did not. T50%BW was the most reliable and valid force-time indicator in advanced climbers. RFD indicators were reliable, but muscle strength appeared more important than RFD in advanced climbers.

Effects of an 8-week multimodal program on thoracic posture, glenohumeral range of motion and serve performance in competitive young tennis players.

Intensive tennis practice is known to generate sport-specific adaptations at the shoulder region and influence the sagittal spinal curvature. However, increased thoracic kyphosis decreases the shoulder functional capacity, which could limit tennis performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week multimodal program on thoracic posture, glenohumeral range of motion, and serve performance in competitive young tennis players. Eighteen male and four female players (age: 16.0 ± 2.4 years, height: 170.7 ± 11.0 cm; mass: 62.1 ± 11.5 kg; International Tennis Number: 3-4) performed their regular training during 8 weeks, which was used as a reference period, and implemented a multimodal program including stretching, strengthening, and myofascial release exercises, four times per week during 8 additional weeks, which corresponded to the intervention period. The thoracic curvature angle and mobility, the biacromial and interscapular distances, the glenohumeral range of motion and the tennis serve performance were assessed three times, i.e., before and after the regular training and after the 8-week multimodal program. The results showed that the 8-week regular training had no significant effects on thoracic curvature angle [effect size (ES) = 0.02-0.36, p = 0.06-0.46] and mobility (ES = 0.05-0.26, p = 0.13-0.42), biacromial (ES = 0.05, p = 0.18) and interscapular distances (ES = 0.03, p = 0.45), ranges of motion in glenohumeral internal (ES = 0.04, p = 0.43) and external rotation (ES = 0.43, p = 0.06), and tennis serve accuracy (ES = 0.33, p = 0.07) and velocity (ES = 0.09, p = 0.35). The 8-week multimodal program increased moderately the thoracic mobility (ES = 0.55, p = 0.01), moderately to strongly the serve accuracy and velocity (ES = 0.65, p = 0.003, for both), strongly decreased the interscapular distance (ES = 1.02, p < 0.001), and strongly increased the range of motion in glenohumeral internal (ES = 0.90, p < 0.001) and external rotation (ES = 1.49, p < 0.001). These findings indicated that an 8-week multimodal program, including spine and glenohumeral mobility and shoulder girdle strength exercises, performed four times per week during 8 weeks, is moderately relevant to rectify the sagittal thoracic curvature in competitive tennis players, while such a program may help regain the range of motion in glenohumeral rotation without tennis serve performance impairment.

RELACIJE ANTROPOMETRIJSKIH KARAKTERISTIKA I MOTORIČKIH SPOSOBNOSTI DECE PREDŠKOLSKOG UZRASTA

The goal of the research was to determine the importance, degree and direction of the impact of anthropometric characteristics on some of the most important preschool children’s motor skills, in order to pay more attention to the development of these skills. The research sample included preschool children from Belgrade (6‒7 years ± 6 months). The research involved measuring anthropometric characteristics (body height, body mass, mean chest circumference, forearm and upper arm circumference) and mo- tor skills (speed, explosive leg strength, coordination and static arm and shoulder girdle strength). Using regression analysis, it was determined that there was a statistically sig- nificant influence of the system of anthropometric variables on speed only in boys. The common variance is observed with the same criterion (48%). Taking into account all an- thropometric characteristics, chest circumference in boys was the only one that indicated a statistically significant impact on the criterion variable Running 20 m from a high start. It can be stated that there is a correlation between anthropometric characteristics and motor skills in preschool children, although it is more prevalent in boys.

Формирование здорового образа жизни обучающихся средствами оздоровительной аэробики

Importance. The problem of decreasing strength indicators in students is described. Insufficient use of strength exercises in the work with wrists and pre-shoulders in physical education classes in higher education institutions is revealed. Achieving of students optimal physical condition, increasing motor activity level, development of arm muscles and upper shoulder girdle strength abilities that solved through recreational aerobics are emphasized. Research Methods. The students of the Derzhavin Tambov State University took part in the research. The measurement of muscle strength of the hands is carried out with a hand dynamometer, research of the level and development of static strength endurance is carried out with test for holding a medical ball weighing 2 kg in the outstretched hands. Results and Discussion. The dynamometric measurements data of both right and left hands of junior women do not differ reliably from the results of senior women. The maximum strength of the women’s right arm is 25.11 kg and the left arm is 23.44 kg (p &gt; 0.05). The average value in ball retention of the first year students is 85.31 s, the second year – 96.73 s, the third year – 112.62 s, the fourth year – 120.7 s. Comparison of the obtained test results shows a reliable improvement in the time of holding the ball in the outstretched hands among the senior students (p &lt; 0.01). The obtained test values formed the basis of the scale for assessing the arms and upper shoulder girdle muscles static endurance development level of trainees. Conclusion. The deficit of motor activity in students, most clearly manifested by the senior years of study, negatively affects the development of hand strength. The variety of hand movements used in the aerobic part of the recreational aerobics class, as well as work with muscles in static and dynamic modes in strength training, have a positive effect on increasing the static endurance of the hands and upper shoulder girdle muscles of students.

Effects of the EuroFit program

The "EuroFit" program, which lasted one school year, was applied to a sample of eleven- and twelve-year-old boys. Motor tests were measured at the beginning and end of the school year. The motor tests that were monitored at the beginning and end of the school year related to; 'Flamingo' balance-FTR (test of general balance), Hand tapping-PLT (test of rapid hand movements), Reach while sitting-SAR (test of general flexibility), Long jump-SBJ (test of explosive strength of the lower extremities), Sit ups-SUP (abdominal muscle strength test), Arm pull-BAH (arm and shoulder girdle strength and endurance test) and body height-VIS were measured. The aim of the research was to determine the differences after the application of planned and programmed physical education classes using EuroFit program contents. After the implemented program and the measurements at the beginning and end of the school year, statistical data processing was performed. The results of descriptive and advanced statistics show exactly that there has been a positive transformation in the area of psycho-motor abilities of students. It is important to point out that the results at the end of the school year were better in all tests. At the general (overall) level, the transformation is positive and statistically significant. According to the obtained results, the hypothesis that reads "Positive transformations of motor skills are expected under the influence of the EuroFit program in the period of one school year" was confirmed.

GENDER DIMORPHISM IN MOTOR ASSESSMENT AND SELFASSESSMENT CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF SECURITY SCIENCES

On a sample of 147 students (78 male and 69 female), in the first year of the Faculty of Security Studies from Banja Luka, research was conducted with the aim of determining the differences between the achieved grade and the selfassessment of motor skills between male and female students, based on the results obtained by applying adequate tests for assessment and self-assessment of students motor status. Assessment of the motor abilities was performed through a battery of six tests: the maximum number of push-ups performed in 10 seconds (MSKL) - used to assess the dynamic strength of the arms and shoulder girdle, the standing long jump (MSDM) - used to assess the explosive power of the lower extremities, agility with with a club (MOKP) - used to assess the coordination of the whole body, the maximum number of trunk lifts performed in 30 seconds (MPTR) - used to assess the dynamic strength of the trunk, hand tapping (MTAR) - used to assess the frequency of arm movements, forwardroll – back roll - running (MKNT) – used to assess the motor ability of agility. For the self-assessment of motor skills, a constructed questionnaire with six answers was used: excellent (5), above average (4), average (3), below average (2), bad (1) and very bad (0). The respondents showed a good self-assessment of motor skills, where a statistically significant difference between male and female students was recorded only in the variable for self-assessment of dynamic arm and shoulder girdle strength. Male students showed better self-assessment in the variables for assessing dynamic arm and shoulder girdle strength, dynamic trunk strength, body coordination and hand movement frequency, while female students showed better self-assessment in variables for assessing explosive leg strength and agility. The authors recommendation is that the method of self-assessment of motor skills be implemented in the teaching process, when teaching the subject Special Physical Education 1, in order to improve awareness of the role and importance of the anthropological status of students and to encourage them to exercise regularly.

Effects of functional training with blood occlusion on the irisin, follistatin, and myostatin myokines in elderly men

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the efficacy of functional training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle hypertrophy indices and strength in older men.MethodsThirty older adults (67.7 ± 5.8 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: functional training (FT), functional training with BFR (FTBFR), and control (C). Participants in experimental groups were trained in three sessions per week for six weeks. They performed 11 whole body exercises, in 2–4 sets of 10 repetitions. FTBFR group wore pneumatic cuffs on their extremities that began with 50% of estimated arterial occlusion pressure which increased by 10% every two weeks. Blood samples were obtained, and static strength tests were evaluated at baseline and after the training program. A One-Way Analysis of Covariance was used to interpret the data.ResultsA significant increase in follistatin levels (p = 0.002) and reduction in myostatin levels (p = 0.001) were observed in FT and FTBFR groups; there was a considerable increase in the F:M ratio in both training groups (p = 0.001), whereas it decreased in C group. These changes were accompanied by significant improvements in handgrip (p = 0.001) and shoulder girdle (p = 0.001) strength in both experimental groups, especially in the FTBFR group. However, the levels of irisin were not statistically changed following interventions (p = 0.561).ConclusionThe findings showed that FT was effective in increasing circulating biomarkers involved in hypertrophy in older adults while adding BFR to FT had a slight increase in these biomarkers but had a tremendous increase in muscle strength.

Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience.

Background: In combat sports, successful competition and training require comprehensive motor fitness. The aim of this study was to diagnose the level of physical fitness and to determine the level of differences between athletes of combat sports characterized by stand-up fighting, such as Muay Thai; and ground fighting, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Methods: The study examined and compared 30 participants divided into two equal groups: Muay Thai athletes (n = 15; age: 24.24 ± 3.24; body height: 174.91 ± 5.19; body weight: 77.56 ± 7.3), and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) (n = 15; age: 22.82 ± 1.81; body height: 175.72 ± 7.03; body weight: 77.11 ± 8.12). Basic characteristics of the somatic build were measured. Selected manifestations of the motor potential of motor skills were also evaluated using selected tests from the EUROFIT test battery, the International Test of Physical Fitness, and computer tests of coordination skills. Relative strength and maximal anaerobic work (MAW) indices were calculated. The strength of the relationship between the effect of motor fitness and training experience was also assessed. Results: The athletes of both groups (Muay Thai and BJJ) presented similar levels of basic characteristics of the somatic build. Motor fitness in the tested groups showed significant differences between the athletes of these sports in static strength (p = 0.010), relative strength (p = 0.006), arm muscle strength in pull-ups (p = 0.035), and functional strength in bent arm hanging (p = 0.023). Higher levels of these components of motor fitness were found for the athletes in the BJJ athletes. In the Muay Thai group, significant very high strength of association was found between training experience and five strength tests. Furthermore, a significantly high strength of association was found in two tests. In the BJJ group, significant relationships with very high correlation were found between the variables in five strength tests. Conclusions: Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes performed better in strength tests (static strength, relative strength, shoulder girdle strength, functional strength). High correlations between the training load and the level of physical fitness were found in flexibility and strength tests in BJJ athletes and most strength tests in Muay Thai athletes.

Electromyographic Profile of the Shoulder During Stability Exercises With Kettlebells.

Shoulder rehabilitation can be a difficult task due to the dynamic nature of the joint complex. Various weight training implements, including kettlebells (KB), have been utilized for therapeutic exercise in the rehabilitation setting to improve shoulder girdle strength and motor control. The KBs are unique in that they provide an unstable load and have been purported to promote greater muscle activation versus standard dumbbells. Recent literature has examined the efficacy of KB exercises for global strengthening and aerobic capacity; however, electromyographic data for shoulder-specific activities are lacking. To examine muscle activation patterns about the rotator cuff and scapular musculature during 5 commonly-utilized KB exercises. Cross-sectional analysis of a single group. Clinical biomechanics laboratory. Ten participants performed all exercises in a randomized order. Mean electromyographic values for each subject were compared between exercises for each target muscle. Significant differences (P < .05) between exercises were observed for all target muscles except for the infraspinatus. The data in this study indicates that certain KB exercises may elicit activation of the shoulder girdle at different capacities. Physical therapy practitioners, athletic trainers, and other clinical professionals who intend to optimize localized strengthening responses may elect to prescribe certain exercises over others due to the inherent difference in muscular utilization. Ultimately, this data may serve to guide or prioritize exercise selection to achieve higher levels of efficacy for shoulder strength and stability gains.

Analyzing Motor Development and Emergent Literacy Skills of Preschool Children

Children start to gain basic literacy skills during preschool that they will constantly be depended on for their academic activities in primary school. Through learning shoulder girdle strength, fine motor skills, and eye-hand coordination, the foundation of motor skills is developed. Examining the effects of motor skills on emergent literacy skills could provide helpful information on the associations among motor and, reading and writing development. The purpose of this study was to analyze 5 years old children’s motor development and emergent literacy skills. The sample of the study consisted of 160 preschool children from main district of Istanbul. Dumans TMB scale and OYHB scale was used for data collection purposes. Results showed that majority of the preschool children (68%) participated in the study had insufficient level of emergent literacy skills. This group’s motor development score was also significantly lower than instructional group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive and medium level correlation between the scores of motor development and emergent literacy in both groups. It has been suggested that preschool children’s motor skills should be taken into account for their emergent literacy skills development.

Relative Scapular-Muscle Ratios During Maximal Isokinetic Shoulder-Girdle Strength Performance in Elite Field Hockey Players.

The shoulder joint and girdle are highly loaded during field hockey play. To optimize performance and to better substantiate preventive programs, it is important to gain insight into shoulder-girdle muscle function and balance in this athlete population. To evaluate relative scapular muscle-activity ratios through surface electromyography during maximal isokinetic strength testing in elite male field hockey players compared with nonathletes. Cross-sectional study. Institutional laboratory. Twenty-five elite field hockey players from the Belgian National Team and 25 age- and sex-matched nonathletes. We measured bilateral activity in 4 scapular muscles (upper trapezius [UT], middle trapezius [MT], lower trapezius [LT], and serratus anterior [SA]) during an external-internal rotation and protraction-retraction isokinetic shoulder protocol. Relative scapular muscle-activity ratios, or balance ratios, of the UT : MT, UT : LT, UT : SA, SA : MT, and SA : LT. We noted lower ratios bilaterally in the athlete group compared with the control group for the UT : MT, UT : LT, and SA : MT ratios during protraction, retraction, and external rotation, respectively, and unilaterally (dominant side only) for the UT : LT ratio during protraction. No consistent trend was present for established side differences in the studied balance ratios. Compared with nonathletes, elite field hockey players had altered intramuscular (within the trapezius) and intermuscular (between the trapezius and SA) balance ratios during maximal shoulder-girdle contractions, with relatively more MT and LT activity. This may reflect a sport-specific adaptation to optimize coordinated activity of the scapulothoracic muscles, meeting the specific demands of field hockey movements and simultaneously better protecting the shoulder against injury. Our results can assist in optimizing high-performance training and in supporting injury-prevention programs, which are key to both successful and long-lasting athletic careers.

Changes in shoulder girdle strength in 3 consecutive years in elite adolescent swimmers: a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundThe shoulder complex is highly loaded during swimming. No studies were found analyzing the changes in shoulder girdle strength in young swimmers, through the years. ObjectiveTo analyze the changes in strength of internal rotators and external rotators of the arm, lower trapezius and supraspinatus and in the external rotators/internal rotators ratio in young elite swimmers through 3 years. Methods31 adolescent elite swimmers (14–18 years, of both sexes) participated in the study. Isometric strength of the shoulder girdle muscles was performed using a handheld dynamometer during 3 years. ResultsFor boys absolute data, internal rotators increased from the first to the second (p=0.0001; mean difference 45.6N; 95%CI 26.7–65.0) and third years (p=0.01; mean difference: 32.4; 95%CI: 9.3–55.5). Considering the weight-normalized data, internal rotators increased from the first to the second year (p<0.0001; mean difference: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.26–0.78), external rotators decreased from the first to the third year (p=0.003; mean difference: −0.33; 95%CI: −0.53 to −0.13) and from the second to the third year (p=0.0004; mean difference: −0.29; 95%CI: −0.46 to −0.12) and supraspinatus decreased from the second to the third year (p=0.006; mean difference: −0.17; 95%CI: −0.28 to −0.06). For girls, there were no significant differences in the absolute strength. Considering the weight-normalized data, lower trapezius decreased from the first to the third year (p=0.02; mean difference: −0.15; 95%CI: −0.27 to 0.03). Considering both sexes, the external rotators/internal rotators ratio decreased from the first to the second (p<0.0001; mean difference −0.12N; 95%CI −0.13 to −0.11) and third years (p<0.0001; mean difference −0.15N; 95%CI −0.16 to −0.14). ConclusionMuscle imbalance can occur in the shoulder girdle in young swimmers in 3 years, with increased internal rotators and decreased external rotators and supraspinatus strength in boys, and decreased strength of the lower trapezius in girls. Attention should be given in young swimmers’ shoulder girdle muscle balance.

Evaluation of shoulder girdle strength more than 12 month after modified radical mastectomy and axillary nodes dissection.

Background:Muscle strength is necessary for upper body normal function. Upper extremity function impairments have been reported in breast cancer (BC) survivors. It is not possible to know precisely if cancer adjuvant therapy such as radiation and chemotherapy had any effect on the unaffected arm. The aim of this study was to compare shoulder girdle strength among women with BC and similarly aged women without cancer.Materials and Methods:Thirty-three postmenopausal women (51 ± 6.46 years) with BC who underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy and 30 healthy postmenopausal women (53.26 ± 5.05 years) were selected. Muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer for flexion, horizontal adduction, internal and external rotation, scapular abduction and upward rotation, scapular depression, and adduction. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (P < 0.05).Results:The findings indicated significant differences between groups of 6 of the shoulder girdle strength measure (flexion (P = 0.003), internal rotation (P = 0.001), external rotation (P = 0.040), scapular abduction and upward rotation (P = 0.001), scapular depression and adduction (P = 0.025), and shoulder horizontal adduction (P = 0.00)). Patients showed significantly lower strength compared with healthy controls (flexion = 34.3%, abd = 64.2%, int.rot = 51.2%, ext.rot = 32.4%, hor.add = 58.06, and depression = 35.2%).Conclusion:The results indicate that the shoulder girdle strength in women with BC decreased compared with healthy women without BC. Therefore, during the treatment of patients with BC, designing of training programs and rehabilitation programs need to be performed on shoulder girdle strength factors in patients undergoing mastectomy with axillary surgery and radiation therapy.

Síla pletence ramenního a flexorů prstů v predikci lezeckého výkonu žen

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between the rock climbing performance and the strength of finger flexors and shoulder girdle muscles in female rock climbers. Methods. Twenty one female climbers completed six specific climbing tests focused on finger flexor and shoulder girdle muscles strength: finger hang, maximal strength in open crimp, bent arm hang on one arm, bent arm hang on two arms, diagonal reach, power slap. Relationship to the climbing performance RP (Red point) was assessed by a coefficient of determination. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relative contribution of tests’ strength in the model. Results. Diagonal reach (R2 = 0.76), power slap (0.74) and finger hang (0.72) explained the greatest part of climber’s performance variability. The test diagonal reach showed high consistency (intra-class correlation coefficient, left 0.98; right 0.97). The greatest relative strength in the regression linear model had power slap. Conclusion. This study introduced a new specific climbing test diagonal reach. It was found that this test has a high reliability and criterion validity and is to assess static shoulder girdle strength in rock climbers. It was shown that shoulder girdle strength is an important factor to achieve high performance in female rock climbers.

Relationship of muscle strength with activities of daily living and quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Introduction: Few activities of daily living (ADLs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are tolerated because they are associated with ventilatory and metabolic changes. Simply lifting the upper limb muscle requires changes, resulting in thoracic abdominal asynchrony, increased dyspnea, and can interfere with quality of life (QoL). Objective: to relate the muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip with the degree of dyspnea in ADLs and secondarily correlate them with QoL in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Materials and Methods: Nine male subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease III and IV (COPDG) and nine healthy, sedentary male individuals - control group (CG) were evaluated. All patients underwent the following evaluations: Pulmonary function, muscle strength of shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip, and questionnaires. Results: In the intergroup analysis found that the spirometric variables of the COPDG were significantly lower compared to the CG. Intragroup analysis for measures of muscle strength, found significant difference for shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip between both groups (COPDG) with lower mean (CG). Only the shoulder girdle had a positive correlation with ADL's and QoL. Conclusion: COPDG individuals, in addition to having pulmonary compromise, showed a significant decrease in muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip when compared to the CG. Only the shoulder girdle strength was positively correlated with the level of dyspnea in ADL's in QoL. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation is an important tool for strengthening these muscles, possibly providing a positive impact on the degree of dyspnea during ADLs and reflecting on QoL.

Health related physical fitness of Bosnian-Herzegovinian and Serbian primary school students

Analysing existing models in the world and novelties in monitoring physical fitness in physical education classes, as well as similarities in economic and social parameters and conditions in which physical education classes in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) are conducted, it was assumed that the model and the battery of tests from the Republic of Serbia could be adequate for application in BIH as well. Therefore the aim of this paper was to apply the suggested model and the battery of tests from the Republic of Serbia on a sample of one part of BIH (Una - Sana canton), as well as to compare the obtained data of Bosnian students with the data of the representative sample of students from Serbia. Also, the aim of the paper was to determine a percentage of Bosnian and Herzegovinian students who failed to accomplish acceptable results above the minimum level of 'physical fitness' set on the basis of Serbian Criterion-Referenced Standards. The sample of respondents was comprised of 843 students of eight primary schools that are representative for Una - Sana canton area, aged 11 to 15. For comparison of the obtained results and determination of distribution of frequency of Bosnian and Herzegovinian students with acceptable 'physical fitness' results we used data obtained on the representative sample of students from the Republic of Serbia the basis of which Serbian Criterion-Referenced Standards of physical development and motor abilities of primary school students in Serbia were set. Results of the study show that Serbian Criterion-Referenced Standards are acceptable for Bosnian and Herzegovinian primary school population of boys and girls for assessment of lower limb strength, shoulder girdle and abdominal muscles strength endurance, as well as flexibility, while the achieved results in tests for assessment of agility and general endurance need additional check within a national research in BIH.

Study of physical characteristics of Indian handball players at different level of competition

The purpose of the study was to compare the physical characteristics between Indian male handball players at different level of competition. The present study was conducted on a sample of forty eight(N=48), which includes twenty four each, male inter-school level (N 1 =24, mean ± SD: age 18.12 ± 0.80 years, height 176.83 ± 5.83cm, weight 69.04 ± 6.99 kg, BMI 22.07 ± 1.89) andinter-college level (N 2 =24, mean ± SD: age 20.54 ± 0.93 years, height 181.29 ± 3.44cm, weight 74.04 ± 3.89 kg, BMI 22.53 ± 1.30) handball players who participated in inter-school competitions of the schools affiliated to Punjab School Education Board and inter-college competitionsof Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India respectively. All the participants were informed about the aim and methodology of the study and they volunteered to participate in this study. All the participants were assessed for height, weight and selected physical characteristics. The height of the subjects was measured with anthropometric rod to the nearest 0.5 cm. The weight of subjects was measured by using portable weighing machine to the nearest 0.5 kg. The vertical jump test was used to measure explosive power of the legs whereas speed was determined by 30 meters dash. Illinois agility test was used to measure agility and medicine ball put testwas used to determine the shoulder girdle strength. The independent samples t-test was applied to assess the differences between inter-school and inter-college level handball players.The level of significance was set at 0.05.The results of present study clearly indicated that inter-college level handball players had significantly greater power (p<0.05), speed (p<0.05), strength (p<0.05) and agility (p<0.05) than inter-school level male handball players. The inter-college level male handball players were also found taller and heavier as compared to inter-school level players.