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Scapulothoracic and Glenohumeral Stabilization Exercises in Boulderers

Not Applicable
Conditions
Sports Physical Therapy
Interventions
Other: Glenohumeral stability exercises
Other: Scapulothoracic and glenohumeral stabilization exercises
Registration Number
NCT03847805
Lead Sponsor
Real Fundación Victoria Eugenia
Brief Summary

Introduction. In the block climbing, the fluidity with which the athlete climbs a certain route is fundamental. The speed with which the movements are executed and the number of grippers of upper limbs is related to sports performance. Shoulder injuries are very prevalent in this sport. The inhibition of the stabilizing musculature can alter joint positioning and its normal biomechanics.

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of a program of stability exercises, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral, in the improvement of shoulder stability and sports performance, in boulder climbers.

Material and method. Forty randomized subjects will be recruit into two groups: experimental (scapulothoracic and glenohumeral stability exercises) and control (glenohumeral stabilization). The stability of the shoulder (Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) and the sports performance (Climbing Test) will be evaluated. The intervention last 6 weeks, with two weekly sessions of 30 minutes each. Differences between evaluations will be analyzed with the t-sudent for related samples and the intra- and intersubject effect with the repeated measures ANOVA test.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Being climbers
  • Between the ages of 18 and 40 years
  • Belonging to the Boulder Madrid Climbing Gym
  • Who climbed at least twice a week
  • Having at least 6 months of experience
Exclusion Criteria
  • Were participating in competitions at the time
  • Presented pathologies of the upper limb
  • Used any type of ergogenic aid
  • Had not signed the informed consent document.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ControlGlenohumeral stability exercisesThe control group followed a program of glenohumeral stabilization exercises,
ExperimentalScapulothoracic and glenohumeral stabilization exercisesThe experimental group followed a program that included three scapulothoracic stabilization exercises and three for glenohumeral stability, while subjects in the control group only performed the glenohumeral stabilization exercises. Two weekly sessions were carried out over a period of 6 weeks, and each session lasted 30 minutes. The intervention was conducted before starting the training session, to avoid muscle fatigue.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline stability of the shoulder after treatment and at 6 weeksScreening visit, within the first seven days after treatment and after one month follow-up visit

The investigators used the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). This scale evaluates the number of upper limb movements the subject is able to make during 15 seconds. A higher score represents better shoulder stability.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline time need to complete a given climbing route and number of grips during climbing after treatment and at 6 weeksScreening visit, within the first seven days after treatment and after one month follow-up visit

Bouldering test, replicating the demands of a competition. The test was carried out on a 4-meter-high wall and with a 20 degree inclination, having a route with 15 climbing holds: 3 small, 7 medium and 5 large. A start hold and an end hold were clearly identified. The climber had 5 minutes to visualize the route, in a familiarization process often used in competitions. Before the test participants was told that they should be as efficient as possible in their movements. The time taken by the climber to complete the route was recorded, and the number of grips for the route.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Real Fundación Victoria Eugenia

🇪🇸

Madrid, Spain

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