Isokinetic scapular muscle performance in young elite gymnasts.
BACKGROUND
During gymnastic exercises, considerable force output is required in the shoulder girdle muscles. Isokinetic performance of the scapular muscles in young, elite gymnasts has not been examined.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the isokinetic muscle performance of the scapular muscles between elite adolescent gymnasts and nonathletic adolescents to identify differences in strength, endurance, and muscle balance based on high-level sport participation.


METHODS
Single-session, repeated-measures design.


METHODS
University human research laboratory.


METHODS
Sixteen young, elite gymnasts and 26 age-matched nonathletic subjects participated in the study.


METHODS
Linear protraction-retraction movement in the scapular plane at 2 velocities (12.2 cm/s and 36.6 cm/s).


METHODS
Isokinetic strength and endurance values, peak force/body mass, work/body mass, fatigue index (difference between the work performed in the first third and the last third of the test), and protraction to retraction strength ratios.


RESULTS
Elite gymnasts demonstrated higher values for the protraction peak force/body mass than the control group demonstrated (P < .05), and they demonstrated higher protraction to retraction ratios on the nondominant side than on the dominant side (P < .05 at low velocity, P < .001 at high velocity). Work/body mass and fatigue index values were not statistically different between the groups. Side differences (P = .003) for retraction strength with lower protraction to retraction ratios (P < .001) were apparent in the gymnast group on the dominant side.


CONCLUSIONS
Scapular muscle performance in elite, young gymnasts is characterized by increased protraction strength and altered muscular balance around the scapula compared with nonathletic adolescents.
Cools
Ann M
AM
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 6K3, B9000 Ghent, Belgium. ann.cools@ugent.be
Geerooms
Ellen
E
Van den Berghe
Dorien F M
DF
Cambier
Dirk C
DC
Witvrouw
Erik E
EE
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006173:Gymnastics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires