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The effect of scapular-retractor fatigue on external and internal rotation in patients with internal impingement
Timothy F Tyler1, Anthony Cuoco, Aaron K Schachter
1NISMAT, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY.
Context:
Scapular strengthening is thought to be an important component of the rehabilitation of patients with internal impingement.
Objective:
To determine the effect of scapular-retractor-muscle fatigue on internal- and external-rotation-torque production in patients with internal impingement.
Design:
Case control study.
Setting:
Outpatient clinic.
Participants:
15 patients and 18 healthy subjects.
Intervention:
A scapular-retractor-fatigue protocol.
Main Outcome Measure:
Shoulder-rotation-torque production.
Results:
After the scapular-retractor-fatigue protocol external-rotation strength was reduced in patients (involved 25%, noninvolved 19%; P < .001).
Conclusion:
Fatigue in the scapular retractors resulted in lower shoulder-rotation-torque production. These findings emphasize the importance of the scapular retractors for proper function of the shoulder rotators with the arm in an abducted position in patients with internal impingement.
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