Impact of a Cueing Device on Upper Extremity Muscle Strength in Swimmers: A 6-Week Training Protocol Using Scapular Stabilization Exercises.
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- University of South Alabama
- Enrollment
- 36
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 180 degrees shoulder abduction
Study Overview
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.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 11 Years to 18 Years (Child, Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
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.
Arms & Interventions
Shoulder Stabilization Exercise
Protocol contains 8 exercises ("I", "Y", "T", "i", "w", alternating arm "I"/"i", "n", and supine serratus punch) completed for 8 repetitions each for 3 weeks, and in weeks 4-6 completed at 2 sets of 8 repetitions each. Standard group coaching assistance will be provided.
Intervention: Exercise (Other)
Shoulder Stabilization Exercise with External Cueing Device
Protocol contains 8 exercises ("I", "Y", "T", "i", "w", alternating arm "I"/"i", "n", and supine serratus punch) completed for 8 repetitions each for 3 weeks, and in weeks 4-6 completed at 2 sets of 8 repetitions each. External cueing device provides movement pattern constraint and an external target zone for the individual for each exercise. Standard group coaching assistance will be provided.
Intervention: External Cueing Device (Device)
Shoulder Stabilization Exercise with External Cueing Device
Protocol contains 8 exercises ("I", "Y", "T", "i", "w", alternating arm "I"/"i", "n", and supine serratus punch) completed for 8 repetitions each for 3 weeks, and in weeks 4-6 completed at 2 sets of 8 repetitions each. External cueing device provides movement pattern constraint and an external target zone for the individual for each exercise. Standard group coaching assistance will be provided.
Intervention: Exercise (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 180 degrees shoulder abduction
Time Frame: 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
Time Frame: 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
Time Frame: 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
Time Frame: 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
Time Frame: 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
Time Frame: 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
Time Frame: 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 Outcomes
- Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 180 degrees abduction(Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.)
- Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 135 degrees abduction(Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.)
- Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 90 degrees abduction(Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.)
- Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Raw Touch Score(Baseline, 6 weeks.)
- Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Touch Score(Baseline, 6 weeks.)
Investigators
Kevin Strehler
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
University of South Alabama