title: Isokinetic scapular muscle performance in young elite gymnasts.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 6K3, B9000 Ghent, Belgium. ann.cools@ugent.be
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cools
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Geerooms
authors.forename: Dorien F M
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Van den Berghe
authors.forename: Dirk C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cambier
authors.forename: Erik E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Witvrouw
mesh_terms: 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