Impact of a Cueing Device on Upper Extremity Muscle Strength in Swimmers

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Healthy Volunteers Only

• Registration Number: NCT06923930
• Lead Sponsor: University of South Alabama

Brief Summary

The goal of this study is to find out if a tool called an external cueing device (ECD) can help young swimmers improve their shoulder function. An ECD is a tool that limits arm movement and gives the swimmer a target to focus on while doing exercises. The main questions this study will answer are:

* Does using an ECD during certain exercises improve muscle strength?

* Does using an ECD while exercising help with shoulder stability?

Participants will:

* Test their shoulder muscle strength and stability at the beginning of the study.

* Complete 8 exercises as part of their regular dry-land training program for 6 weeks.

* Repeat the same tests after 3 weeks and again at the end of the study.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-29
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-04
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-11
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-11
• Study Start: 2025-04-20
• Primary Completion: 2025-06
• Study Completion: 2025-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy Volunteer Adolescent Swimmers
• Member of CMSA

Exclusion Criteria

• Swimmers under the age of 11 years of age.
• Swimmers that are not registered as athletes through United States Swimming.
• Swimmers that are not enrolled in Age Group III, Senior 1, Senior 2, or Senior 3
• Swimmers not attending practice due to an injury (i.e., shoulder, back, etc.).
• Swimmers currently not participating in a dryland program offered through CMSA.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 180 degrees shoulder abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Handheld dynamometer assessment of force production times lever arm distance (Newton.meters) of prone shoulder elevation in 180 degrees of abduction completed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of the training program.
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 135 degrees shoulder abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Handheld dynamometer assessment of force production times lever arm distance (Newton.meters) of prone shoulder elevation in 135 degrees of abduction completed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of the training program.
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 90 degrees shoulder abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Handheld dynamometer assessment of force production times lever arm distance (Newton.meters) of prone shoulder elevation in 90 degrees of abduction completed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of the training program.
Change from baseline in modified Athletic Shoulder Test at 180 degrees shoulder abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Maximum isometric force production with lying prone into a handheld dynamometer at a given lever arm distance results in muscle torque (Newton.meters) reading. This portion of the test is conducted at 180 degrees of abduction.
Change from baseline in modified Athletic Shoulder Test at 135 degrees shoulder abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Maximum isometric force production with lying prone into a handheld dynamometer at a given lever arm distance results in muscle torque (Newton.meters) reading. This portion of the test is conducted at 135 degrees of abduction.
Change from baseline in modified Athletic Shoulder Test at 90 degrees shoulder abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Maximum isometric force production with lying prone into a handheld dynamometer at a given lever arm distance results in muscle torque (Newton.meters) reading. This portion of the test is conducted at 90 degrees of abduction.
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Power Score	Baseline, 6 weeks.	Two strips of tape are placed 36 inches apart. Participants assume a push up position (male) or pushup on knees (Female) and are instructed to reach across and touch the opposing hand alternating arms. Maximum number of touches in 15 seconds is recorded. Normalization is made by multiplying the raw touch score by 0.68 x Subject weight in Kg (representing the mass on the head arms and trunk) and dividing by the 15 seconds. Higher number indicates increased shoulder stability.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 180 degrees abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Distance from floor to wrist crease, measured in cm.
Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 135 degrees abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Distance from floor to wrist crease, measured in cm.
Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 90 degrees abduction	Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.	Distance from floor to wrist crease, measured in cm.
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Raw Touch Score	Baseline, 6 weeks.	Two strips of tape are placed 36 inches apart. Participants assume a push up position (male) or pushup on knees (Female) and are instructed to reach across and touch the opposing hand alternating arms. Maximum number of touches in 15 seconds is recorded. Higher number of touches indicates increased shoulder stability
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Touch Score	Baseline, 6 weeks.	Two strips of tape are placed 36 inches apart. Participants assume a push up position (male) or pushup on knees (Female) and are instructed to reach across and touch the opposing hand alternating arms. Maximum number of touches in 15 seconds is recorded. Touches are adjusted for subject height by dividing raw touch by subject height (in inches based on prior literature). Higher number of touches indicates increased shoulder stability

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Fredericka G. Evans Cultural Centre; 🇺🇸 Mobile, Alabama, United States