A comparative study between two exercise programs in treatment of swimmers shoulder

Research Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common disorder of the shoulder in swimmers, resulting in functional loss and disability. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare between the effects of scapular muscle training versus rhythmic stabilization exercises in treatment of swimmers with Shoulder impingement syndrome. Study Design & Methods: Thirty swimmers with shoulder impingement syndrome participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into two experimental groups. The 1st experimental group (group A) (n= 15) received a graduated rhythmic stabilization exercises and stretching of the posterior capsule. The 2nd experimental group (group B) (n= 15) received a scapular muscle training exercise in addition to stretching of the posterior capsule. Treatment was given 3 times per week, every other day, for 4 consecutive weeks. Patients were evaluated pretreatment and posttreatment for shoulder pain severity, shoulder functional disability, scapular protraction and upward rotation, upper trapezius/ serratus anterior ratio and external / internal rotation ratio. Results: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program (version 19 windows) was used for data analysis. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. A statistically non-significant difference was found between both groups in all measured variables neither pretreatment nor posttreatment. Conclusion: Both rhythmic stabilization and scapular muscle training exercises are effective interventions to treat swimmers shoulder

Research Keywords

Key words: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Scapular Exercises, Rhythmic Stabilization Exercises, Posterior Capsule Stretch