Effect of Selected Corrective Exercises on Glenohumeral Internal Rotation in Female Adolescent Swimmers with Scapular Dyskinesis

Abstract

Background: Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is seen in most of the overhead athletes. It can be present in asymptomatic individuals and is believed to be a risk factor for further injury. The superior glenoid labral tear and the glenohumeral (G-H) joint instability are some of the causes of SD. Besides, because of the unstable scapula, the length-tension relationship of the internal rotator muscles would be out of balance. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 6-week program of selected corrective exercises in a clearly defined population of overhead athletes with SD symptoms. Methods: Glenohumeral internal rotation (GIR) was measured in 35 competitive female swimmers with SD, using goniometry. An experimental group performed 18 sessions of commonly described exercises, while the control group only performed daily routine exercises. Results: Mean and SEM of the GIR post-tests in the experimental group and control group were 46.42 ± 1.59 and 38.56 ± 1.42, respectively, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.001), whereas there was no significant increase in pre-test (P = 0.722). Furthermore, the mean and SEM of changes in the exercise group and control group were 8.37 ± 0.0.76 and -0.19 ± 0.44, respectively, and there was a significant difference between two groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: It seems that six weeks of these exercises can cause a significant increase in GIR in young competitive female swimmers. However, we suggest that more action take place into the research for this subject.