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Published on: February 10, 2015
Isokinetic scapular muscle performance in young elite gymnasts
Ann M Cools1, Ellen Geerooms, Dorien F M Van den Berghe
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 6K3, B9000 Ghent, Belgium. ann.cools@ugent.be
Journal of Athletic Training
|January 5, 2008
Summary
Elite gymnasts exhibit superior shoulder muscle strength, particularly in protraction, compared to non-athletes. This study reveals differences in scapular muscle balance in young gymnasts due to high-level training.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Gymnastics demands significant shoulder girdle muscle force.
- Scapular muscle isokinetic performance in young elite gymnasts remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare isokinetic muscle performance of scapular muscles between elite adolescent gymnasts and nonathletic adolescents.
- To identify differences in strength, endurance, and muscle balance based on high-level sport participation.
Main Methods:
- Employed a single-session, repeated-measures design in a university research laboratory.
- Assessed 16 elite adolescent gymnasts and 26 age-matched nonathletic controls.
- Measured linear protraction-retraction movement in the scapular plane at two velocities (12.2 cm/s and 36.6 cm/s).
Main Results:
- Elite gymnasts showed significantly higher protraction peak force relative to body mass (P < .05).
- Gymnasts displayed higher protraction to retraction ratios on the non-dominant side compared to the dominant side (P < .05 at low velocity, P < .001 at high velocity).
- No significant differences were found in work relative to body mass or fatigue index between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elite young gymnasts possess enhanced scapular protraction strength compared to nonathletic peers.
- Altered muscular balance around the scapula is characteristic of elite young gymnasts.
- Findings suggest sport-specific adaptations in scapular musculature due to intensive training.
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