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Alterations in scapular position with fatigue: a study in swimmers
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Summary
Intense swimming exercise did not significantly alter scapular position in high school swimmers. However, the nondominant shoulder blade moved laterally after exercise, becoming similar to the dominant side.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Anatomy
Background:
- Scapular positioning is crucial for shoulder function and injury prevention in swimmers.
- Previous research has explored the effects of swimming on shoulder kinematics, but findings on scapular position changes remain inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intense swimming exercise on scapular position in male high school swimmers.
- To compare scapular position between dominant and nondominant shoulders before and after exercise.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two established measurement techniques (DiVeta and Kibler) to assess scapular position.
- Recruited 20 male high school swimmers (ages 13-18) who completed a 2-hour intense swimming practice.
- Measured scapular position pre- and post-exercise to determine changes.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in scapular position were observed pre- to post-exercise using either measurement technique.
- The nondominant scapula was initially more medial and shifted laterally after exercise, approaching the dominant shoulder's position.
- The reliability of the DiVeta and Kibler measurement techniques was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The employed measurement techniques are reliable for assessing scapular position.
- Intense swimming exercise did not induce significant changes in scapular position in this population.
- A lateral shift in the nondominant scapula post-exercise was noted, warranting further investigation.