Analysis of the kinetic chain in throwers with and without shoulder pain

Abstract

The throwing movement is the result of the integrated action of the kinetic chain and any change in this system maybe associated with dysfunction in the shoulder. The main objective of this study will beto investigate the muscular performance of the kinetic chain of throwing athletes with and without shoulder pain. The secondary objective will be to analyze the pain and function of the scapula, shoulder, trunk, pelvis and lower limb and to evaluate the correlation between these variables and the kinetic chain muscle performance in athletes with shoulder pain. Sixtythrowers athletes (30 with pain and 30 without shoulder pain) will participate in this study. The peak torque (PT) will be assessed by the mean of 5 repetitions of medial and lateral rotation of the shoulder at 90°/s, 180°/s and 240º/s. The average of 5 repetitions will also be used to evaluate the PT hip extension in both limbs at 60º/s. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the flexors, extensors and lateral flexors of the trunk muscles will be measured by a hand-held dynamometer. Resistance time of the trunk muscles will be evaluated during the execution of the movements of flexion, extension and lateral flexion. The order of the evaluations will be randomized. The function of the scapula, trunk, pelvis and lower limb will be analyzed using qualitative functional tests. For assessment of shoulder function, range of motion of lateral/medial rotation will be measured and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Rating Scale will be applied. Shoulder pain will be analyzed the numerical pain scale. Data analysis will be carry out by appropriate tests with the normality of their distribution, with a significance level of 5 %. (AU)